Fusion and fission are nuclear reactions in which large amounts of energy are released. Nuclear fission is used in nuclear reactors in some power stations. In the reactor, a fission chain reaction is maintained and controlled to produce a supply of energy to generate electricity. Explain how the graphite core and the movable rods are used to maintain and control the chain reaction – 8017.

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1. In a nuclear reactor, neutrons are released during a chain reaction when fission happens. However, these neutrons are often moving too fast for fission to happen again, so they need to be slowed down.

   The graphite core in the reactor works as a moderator. It slows down the fast-moving neutrons, so they can be used again in more fission reactions.

   Control rods are also used in the reactor. These rods can move in and out of the reactor. They absorb neutrons, which helps to control the speed of the reaction. If the reaction is happening too fast, the rods are pushed in to absorb more neutrons, and if it’s too slow, the rods are pulled out to let more neutrons be available for fission.

   This way, the reactor keeps the fission reaction safe and steady.

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