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What is the main purpose of a moderator in a thermal nuclear reactor? A to shield the surroundings from ionising radiations B to decrease the number of fission chain reactions C to decrease neutron speeds D to prevent the core from overheating - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 29 - 2021 - Paper 2

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Question 29

What-is-the-main-purpose-of-a-moderator-in-a-thermal-nuclear-reactor?--A-to-shield-the-surroundings-from-ionising-radiations--B-to-decrease-the-number-of-fission-chain-reactions--C-to-decrease-neutron-speeds--D-to-prevent-the-core-from-overheating-AQA-A-Level Physics-Question 29-2021-Paper 2.png

What is the main purpose of a moderator in a thermal nuclear reactor? A to shield the surroundings from ionising radiations B to decrease the number of fission cha... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:What is the main purpose of a moderator in a thermal nuclear reactor? A to shield the surroundings from ionising radiations B to decrease the number of fission chain reactions C to decrease neutron speeds D to prevent the core from overheating - AQA - A-Level Physics - Question 29 - 2021 - Paper 2

Step 1

to shield the surroundings from ionising radiations

96%

114 rated

Answer

This option is incorrect. While radiation shielding is important in nuclear reactors, the moderator's main job is not to shield but to facilitate reactions.

Step 2

to decrease the number of fission chain reactions

99%

104 rated

Answer

This is not correct. The moderator's purpose is to help sustain the fission chain reaction rather than decreasing it.

Step 3

to decrease neutron speeds

96%

101 rated

Answer

This is the correct answer. The main purpose of a moderator in a thermal nuclear reactor is to slow down fast neutrons, increasing the probability of fission when they collide with fissile material like Uranium-235.

Step 4

to prevent the core from overheating

98%

120 rated

Answer

While it is crucial to manage the reactor's temperature, this is not the primary role of the moderator itself.

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