Reactivity control is crucial in nuclear reactors to maintain a stable and safe chain reaction by adjusting the neutron population. It involves various mechanisms and materials to either absorb excess neutrons or introduce additional neutrons to achieve the desired level of reactivity.

Reactivity Control

Reactivity control

Nuclear reactors are devices used to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction, primarily for electricity generation or research purposes. They operate on the principle of nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a significant amount of energy in the process.

nuclear reactors

Stable chain reaction

Neutron population refers to the number of neutrons present in a nuclear reactor at any given time, which is crucial for sustaining a controlled nuclear chain reaction. The balance between neutron production and loss determines the reactor's criticality, influencing power output and safety.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR LEARNING

CUSTOMIZE YOUR LEARNING