Which row correctly identifies the component responsible for decreasing the kinetic energy of these neutrons, and the primary physical reason why this deceleration is required?
| Component | Reason for decreasing kinetic energy |
|---|
Control rods | To prevent the chain reaction from accelerating uncontrollably.
Moderator | To increase the probability of these neutrons inducing subsequent fission in uranium-235.
Coolant | To maximize the rate of thermal energy transfer to the external heat exchanger.
Shielding | To reduce the intensity of neutron radiation escaping into the environment.
128 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Physics Radioactivity (A-level only), covering Rutherford scattering (A-level only), $\alpha$ , $\beta$ and $\gamma$ radiation (A-level only), Radioactive decay (A-level only), Nuclear instability (A-level only), Nuclear radius (A-level only), Mass and energy (A-level only), Induced fission (A-level only), and Safety aspects (A-level only). Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.