Radiation safety and nuclear energy

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Question 35
Easy

A nuclear reactor core contains several key structural parts to safely manage and sustain a nuclear fission chain reaction.

A schematic cross-section of a nuclear fission reactor core. It shows vertical fuel assemblies containing uranium fuel. Adjustable rods labeled Y are shown partially inserted between the fuel assemblies. The entire inner chamber surrounding the fuel assemblies and rods Y is filled with a medium labeled Z, with arrows indicating the circulation of a fluid. The outer boundary is a thick containment vessel.

Y can be inserted or withdrawn to control the rate of the fission chain reaction, or to shut it down completely.

Z slows down the fast-moving neutrons produced during fission so that they are more easily absorbed by uranium-235 nuclei to sustain the reaction.

State the name of the two parts labelled Y and Z.

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Radiation safety and nuclear energy Questions

  1. GCSE
  2. /Physics
  3. /Radiation safety and nuclear energy