Question is asked to promote a healthy discussion on the different types of neutron moderators that have been used (i.e water, sodium, etc) including the pluses and minuses of these. Plus, I like beer.!
2006-09-18 17:01:01 · 3 answers · asked by NeutronDriver 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
A good moderator slows neutrons by elastic collisions and has a low absorption cross section. Water is lighter than ethanol, and thus is more effective at slowing neutrons. Carbon and oxygen both have low absorption cross sections and don't matter much, but hydrogen has a large absorption cross section. Ethanol and other organics in beer contain more H as a fraction of mass than water and this is a disadvantage. Therefore on both counts, water is a better moderator than beer.
2006-09-18 17:52:16 · answer #1 · answered by d/dx+d/dy+d/dz 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In terms of absorbant ability, I'd say probably beer, because it has lots of dissolved sugar and stuff in it which make it denser. But of course, if you're worried about either expense or your absorbant material rotting, then water's the way to go (either that or cadmium :P).
2006-09-19 00:04:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Beer is always best.
2006-09-19 00:09:15 · answer #3 · answered by polisciencegirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋