Chapter 30.2, Problem 32SSC

To determine

To Explain:Lead is not a good choice for a moderator in a nuclear reactor.

Answer to Problem 32SSC

Lead absorbs the radiation and neutrons rather than making them slow down. So, it does not stand as a good choice for a moderator in a reactor.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

Radiation is the process of emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves which is carried out through the medium of space or material.

Neutron moderatorsare a kind of material in a nuclear reactor which works to slow the fast neutrons that are produced when atoms split in fission to make them more effective.

Moderators must slow the neutrons so that the fissile material absorbs them.

As lead absorbs the radiation and neutrons rather than slows them down which results that lead is a bad choice for a moderator in a nuclear reactor.

Conclusion:

Hence, lead is not a good choice for a moderator in a nuclear reactor as it doesn’t slow down the fast moving neutrons and absorbs the radiation.