A meltdown of the reactor core would occur if
A)control rods were inserted into the core.
B)too much coolant was lost.
C)the proportion of uranium-238 was too high.
D)the containment building developed an air leak.
E)the containment shell was too thick.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Meltdown of the reactor core occurs when there is a loss of coolant, which could lead to the overheating of the fuel rods and the release of radioactive materials. Control rods are inserted into the core to absorb excess neutrons and regulate the reactor's power level, so their insertion would not cause a meltdown. The proportion of uranium-238 in the fuel rods does not directly affect the likelihood of a meltdown. An air leak in the containment building or the thickness of the containment shell would not directly cause a meltdown.

A Meltdown of the Reactor Core Would Occur If