Question

What is a nuclear reactor? Explain its essential parts with their functions.

Answer 1

Nuclear reactor: A Nuclear reactor is a device in which the nuclear fission reaction takes place in a self–sustained and controlled manner to produce electricity.

Components of a Nuclear Reactor:
The essential components of a nuclear reactor are

• Fuel: A fissile material is used as fuel. The commonly used fuel material is uranium.
• Moderator: A moderator is used to slow down the high-energy neutrons to provide slow neutrons. Graphite and heavy water are commonly used moderators.
• Control rod: Control rods are used to control the number of neutrons in order to have a sustained chain reaction. Mostly boron or cadmium rods are used as control rods. They absorb the neutrons.
• Coolant: A coolant is used to remove the heat produced in the reactor core, to produce steam. This steam is used to run a turbine in order to produce electricity. Water, air, and helium are some of the coolants.
• Protection wall: A thick concrete lead wall is built around the nuclear reactor in order to prevent harmful radiations from escaping into the environment.