In a Nuclear Reactor What Slows Down Neutrons?

A reactor core is typically made up of a couple hundred assemblies, depending on power level. Inside the reactor vessel, the fuel rods are immersed in water which acts as both a coolant and moderator. The moderator helps slow down the neutrons produced by fission to sustain the chain reaction.

How are neutrons controlled in a nuclear reactor?

A neutron absorbing element must be present to control the amount of free neutrons in the reaction space. Most reactors are controlled by means of control rods that are made of a strongly neutron-absorbent material such as boron or cadmium.

Is graphite used to slow down the neutrons in a nuclear reactor?

1, nuclear power reactors that use graphite moderators, such as those based on the RBMK design, encase the nuclear fuel rods in chambers with graphite walls so that the fast-moving neutrons emitted from one rod are slowed by the graphite moderator before reaching other rods, allowing a chain reaction to spread ...