Why does lowering the control rods in a nuclear reactor reduce the amount of energy released each second from the nuclear fuel?
The boron control rods absorb slow-moving neutrons (thermal neutrons), which means that there are less available neutrons in the reactor. Since nuclear fission requires a collison between a neutron and a uranium nucleus, less neutrons means less fission reactions taking place. Hence, the rate of energy production decreases.
LC
Related Physics GCSE answers
All answers ▸a bat emits sound waves with a range of wavelengths. Some of the sound waves will be diffracted by the insect. Complete the following sentences to explain why. [2 marks] Diffraction is caused by the sound waves _______________________________________
I don't understand acceleration and how something can accelerate without speeding up.
Why doesn't the magnetic force change the velocity of a particle?
On a day with no wind, a large object is dropped from a tall building. The object experiences air resistance during its fall to the ground. State and explain, in terms of the forces acting, how the acceleration of the object varies during its fall.