Question

How can a nuclear reactor contain many critical masses and not go supercritical? What methods are used to control the fission in the reactor?

a) Control rods
b) Moderator material
c) Coolant
d) All of the above

Answer 1

A nuclear reactor can use control rods, moderator material, and coolant to prevent it from going supercritical and control fission reactions.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nuclear reactor can contain many critical masses without going supercritical by using various methods to control the fission reactions. The methods used include:

1. Control rods: Control rods containing nuclides that strongly absorb neutrons are used to adjust neutron flux and prevent the chain reaction from becoming self-sustaining and supercritical.
2. Moderator material: A moderator slows down neutrons produced by nuclear reactions, increasing the chance of additional nuclear reactions and preventing a rapid increase in fissions.
3. Coolant: A coolant carries heat away from the fission reaction, ensuring that the reactor doesn't overheat and maintaining stable fission rates.

All of these methods - control rods, moderator material, and coolant - are used in a nuclear reactor to control the fission processes and prevent the reactor from going supercritical.