The wrong statement among the following isa)Helium is used to fill observatory balloons because it is lighter than air and non-combustibleb)A mixture of80 % helium and 20% oxygen is used for respiration by deep sea diversc)The noble gas used in atomic reactors is argond)Neon is used in discharge tubes and fluorescent bulbs for advertisement display purposesCorrect answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?

Question

Answer

The wrong statement among the given options is option C, which states that argon is the noble gas used in atomic reactors.

Explanation:
Atomic reactors, also known as nuclear reactors, utilize nuclear reactions to produce energy. These reactors use a specific type of nuclear fuel, such as uranium or plutonium, to sustain a controlled chain reaction. The fuel undergoes fission, which releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat. This heat is then used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.

In nuclear reactors, the most commonly used noble gas is xenon, not argon. Xenon is a chemically inert noble gas that has several useful properties in nuclear reactors. Let's understand some key points about the use of xenon in nuclear reactors:

1. Xenon as a neutron absorber: Xenon-135 (^135Xe) is a radioactive isotope of xenon that acts as a neutron absorber. It has a high neutron capture cross-section, meaning it readily absorbs neutrons produced during the fission process. The absorption of neutrons by xenon-135 can affect the stability and efficiency of the nuclear reaction in the reactor core.

2. Xenon poisoning: The buildup of xenon-135 in a nuclear reactor can lead to a phenomenon known as 'xenon poisoning.' When xenon-135 absorbs neutrons, it undergoes beta decay to form iodine-135 (^135I), which is also a neutron absorber. The accumulation of iodine-135 in the reactor core further reduces the availability of neutrons for sustaining the nuclear reaction, potentially leading to reactor shutdown or reduced power output.

3. Control rod design: Xenon-135's neutron absorption properties are utilized in the design of control rods. Control rods are used to regulate the nuclear reaction by absorbing excess neutrons and maintaining a stable reaction rate. The control rods often contain a material called 'burnable poison,' which includes xenon-135. As the reactor operates, the xenon-135 absorbs neutrons and gradually depletes, allowing the control rod to maintain its effectiveness over time.

In summary, argon is not used in atomic reactors. Xenon, with its unique properties as a neutron absorber and its role in control rod design, is the noble gas commonly used in nuclear reactors.

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