2006-09-16 06:30:52 · 5 answers · asked by shailendra t 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
Heavy water (D2O) is generally used in nuclear reactors as control material.
2006-09-16 06:48:22 · answer #1 · answered by abhishek 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Control can mean two different things in a nuclear reactor: 1.) the ability to control the rate of nuclear fission and 2.) the ability to control the release of radioactive materials.
1.) Many methods are used to control the rate of fission in a reactor core. The primary method is using a solution of boric acid diluted into the core cooling water. The boron acts as a neutron absorber and is distributed throughout the core allowing uniform burning of the fuel. The second primary method is control rods. Control rods consist of a boron/zirconium alloy which performs a similar function as the boric acid. Zirconium is used in reactors because it is not a neutron absorber, and thus helps the core in sustaining the nuclear reaction and prevents the long-term reactivity of reactor components.
2.) The first method of controlling the release of nuclear material is the fuel cladding. The actual fuel is encased in a zirconium tube which acts as the first barrier against release of the material.
To the best of my knowledge, no cadmium is used in the reactor core.
2006-09-20 07:51:17 · answer #2 · answered by Mark Spain 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
graphite and cadmium are to materials used in nuclear reactor control rods.
basically anything that absorbs neutrons should work
2006-09-16 13:35:38 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. G 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
cadmium is used for controlin the nuclear fission .cadimum is good absorber of neutron. so when the amount of neutron is much cadmium rod is insert and it absorb the neutron and control the nuclear reaction.
2006-09-16 13:47:57 · answer #4 · answered by ALOK Y 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Where's Hommer Simpsons? he can help
2006-09-16 13:40:34 · answer #5 · answered by nonono 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋