Answer & Explanation:
Control rods are an essential component of a nuclear reactor's safety systems, and their absence would create a serious risk of a nuclear accident. Control rods are made of a material that absorbs neutrons, such as cadmium or boron, and are used to regulate the fission process within the reactor.
If a nuclear reactor is not equipped with control rods, the nuclear fission process could easily spiral out of control, leading to a runaway reaction that generates an enormous amount of heat and radiation. This could cause the reactor to overheat, leading to a catastrophic failure of the containment system and a release of radioactive materials into the surrounding environment.
The absence of control rods also means that the reactor would be unable to be shut down quickly in the event of an emergency, which could further exacerbate the risks and potentially lead to a meltdown.
Therefore, it is essential that any nuclear reactor design include a robust system of control rods to ensure that the fission process can be safely regulated and controlled. Without them, the reactor would pose an unacceptable risk to public safety and the environment.