In order to control a nuclear reactor, control rods can be pulled out of or pushed into the reactor core by remote control. These rods control the reactor by A) slowing down the fast neutrons so the neutrons can be absorbed by ²³⁸U. B) speeding up slow neutrons so the neutrons can be absorbed by ²³⁸U. C) slowing down fast neutrons so they cannot initiate further fusion reactions in ²³⁵U. D) speeding up fast neutrons so they cannot initiate further fusion reactions in ²³⁵U. E) capturing thermal neutrons so they cannot initiate further fission reactions in ²³⁵U.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Control rods in a nuclear reactor capture thermal (slow) neutrons to prevent them from initiating further fission reactions, thereby controlling the rate of the reaction and ensuring the reactor's safety.

In Order to Control a Nuclear Reactor, Control Rods Can