UPSC Exam > UPSC Questions > What is the function of control rods in a nuc...
Start Learning for Free
What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?
- a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.
- b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.
- c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.
- d)To cool down the reactor core.
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb ...
Control rods in a nuclear reactor are made of neutron-absorbing materials and are used to absorb excess neutrons, thereby controlling the rate of the nuclear fission reaction. They play a crucial role in regulating and maintaining the reactor's power output.
Free Test
FREE
| Start Free Test |
Community Answer
What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb ...
Function of Control Rods in a Nuclear Reactor
Control rods play a crucial role in the operation and safety of nuclear reactors. Their primary function is to manage the nuclear fission process, ensuring that the reaction proceeds at a safe and controlled rate.
Key Functions of Control Rods:
- Absorption of Neutrons:
- Control rods are made from materials that have a high neutron absorption capacity, such as boron, cadmium, or hafnium.
- When inserted into the reactor core, these rods absorb excess neutrons that are produced during the fission process.
- Regulation of the Reaction:
- By absorbing neutrons, control rods reduce the number of neutrons available to continue the fission chain reaction.
- This helps in slowing down or halting the reaction if necessary, preventing overheating and potential meltdowns.
- Safety Mechanism:
- In emergency situations, control rods can be fully inserted into the reactor core to quickly stop the fission reaction.
- This safety feature is critical for maintaining the integrity of the reactor and ensuring the safety of the surrounding environment.
- Reactivity Control:
- The position of the control rods can be adjusted to fine-tune the reactor's power output.
- Lowering the rods increases neutron absorption, decreasing reactor power, while withdrawing them allows more neutrons to sustain the reaction, increasing power output.
In summary, control rods are essential for maintaining the balance of the nuclear fission process by absorbing excess neutrons, thus regulating the reaction rate and ensuring safe operation of the nuclear reactor.
Control rods play a crucial role in the operation and safety of nuclear reactors. Their primary function is to manage the nuclear fission process, ensuring that the reaction proceeds at a safe and controlled rate.
Key Functions of Control Rods:
- Absorption of Neutrons:
- Control rods are made from materials that have a high neutron absorption capacity, such as boron, cadmium, or hafnium.
- When inserted into the reactor core, these rods absorb excess neutrons that are produced during the fission process.
- Regulation of the Reaction:
- By absorbing neutrons, control rods reduce the number of neutrons available to continue the fission chain reaction.
- This helps in slowing down or halting the reaction if necessary, preventing overheating and potential meltdowns.
- Safety Mechanism:
- In emergency situations, control rods can be fully inserted into the reactor core to quickly stop the fission reaction.
- This safety feature is critical for maintaining the integrity of the reactor and ensuring the safety of the surrounding environment.
- Reactivity Control:
- The position of the control rods can be adjusted to fine-tune the reactor's power output.
- Lowering the rods increases neutron absorption, decreasing reactor power, while withdrawing them allows more neutrons to sustain the reaction, increasing power output.
In summary, control rods are essential for maintaining the balance of the nuclear fission process by absorbing excess neutrons, thus regulating the reaction rate and ensuring safe operation of the nuclear reactor.
|
Explore Courses for UPSC exam
|
|
Similar UPSC Doubts
Top Courses for UPSCView all
What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for UPSC.
Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for UPSC Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of
What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an
ample number of questions to practice What is the function of control rods in a nuclear reactor?a)To absorb excess neutrons and slow down the reaction.b)To generate heat for the primary coolant.c)To produce steam directly for electricity generation.d)To cool down the reactor core.Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice UPSC tests.
|
|
Explore Courses for UPSC exam
|
|
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
|
© EduRev
|
Education Revolution
|
|
Signup to see your scores
go up within 7 days!
Access 1000+ FREE Docs, Videos and Tests
Takes less than 10 seconds to signup