What is the function of the control rods in the entire fission reactor proccess?

Fuel rods provide fissionable elements such as uranium - 235 , The uranium abosrbs a neutron at thermal speeds (  energy transefered to the moderator) from previous reactions. This then enables the Uranium to go through a fission reaction. The reaction splits the uranium into smaller elements with a higher binding energy per neucleon, neutrons and energy. The neutrons expelled from this reaction create a exponetial increase in the rate or on going reactions. The control rods reduce the reaction rate the further they are lowered into the chamber. The control rods absorb the neutrons to modulate this ratebof reaction.  

CS
Answered by Charles S. Physics tutor

5556 Views

See similar Physics A Level tutors

Related Physics A Level answers

All answers ▸

Calculate the length of a 120m (as measured by the astronaut) spaceship travelling at 0.85c as measured by a stationary observer


What is the main evidence for the Big Bang theory?


What is the maximum length a bungee rope with a spring constant of 100 Nm−1 can be for an 80kg man to be able to jump from 100m above a river without touching the water?


A student is measuring the acceleration due to gravity, g. They drop a piece of card from rest, from a vertical height of 0.75m above a light gate. The light gate measures the card's speed as it passes to be 3.84 m/s. Calculate an estimate for g.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning