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 ▸

As a student rubs his feet along the carpet in his living room, he becomes charged. After this he places his hand on a metal radiator and receives an electric shock. Explain what charge the student obtains, why, and why he receives a shock.


Using the kinetic molecular theory,explain why air pressure inside a syringe increases if the volume decreases from 15.0 cm


A rollercoaster carriage of mass 100kg has 45kJ of Kinetic Energy at the lowest point of its ride. Ignoring air resistance and friction between the wheels and the tracks, what is the maximum height above this point it could reach? [Take g as 10m/s/s)


The critical angle for a glass is 41 degrees. Calculate its refractive index.