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 ▸Why is it that spectral lines emitted from stars in distant galaxies appear to be shifted towards the red end of the electromagnetic spectrum?
A force is applied to a box of mass 2kg so that is accelerates at 2ms^-2. Find the force acting on the box and thus calculate the work done in moving the box 10m in the direction of the force.
Explain how the evaporation of a liquid causes the temperature of the remaining liquid to decrease.
a) Give an example of an alpha radiation source used in homes b) Why is it safe to use a source of alpha radiation in the house