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Graphite can be used as a moderator, that is to slow down the fast neutrons produced in fission. Early reactors including Hanford and Windscale used graphite, and in the UK this type of reactor was built extensively for power production. However water reactors such as PWR and BWR have proved cheaper to build and have a longer life, so graphite is now little used, there are a few still running but none being planned or built as far as I know.

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Bennett Bode

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2y ago
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Graphite can be used as a moderator, that is to slow down the fast neutrons produced in fission. Early reactors including Hanford and Windscale used graphite, and in the UK this type of reactor was built extensively for power production. However water reactors such as PWR and BWR have proved cheaper to build and have a longer life, so graphite is now little used, there are a few still running but none being planned or built as far as I know.

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5mo ago

Graphite is used in nuclear reactors as a moderator to slow down the fast-moving neutrons produced during nuclear fission. Slower neutrons are more likely to cause additional fission reactions in the reactor, sustaining the chain reaction necessary for power generation. Graphite's stability at high temperatures and its ability to efficiently moderate neutrons make it a preferred material in certain types of nuclear reactors.

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15y ago

Graphite has the property of absorbing neutrons.

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Q: Why is graphite used in nuclear reactors?
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Are control rods in nuclear reactors made of graphite?

Control rods in nuclear reactors are typically made of materials with high neutron-absorbing capabilities, such as boron or cadmium. Graphite is used in some reactors as a moderator to slow down neutrons, but it is not typically used as a material for control rods.


What is the function of graphite in a nuclear reactor?

Graphite is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors to slow down neutrons produced during nuclear fission. Slower neutrons are more likely to cause additional fission reactions, allowing for a sustained nuclear reaction. Graphite is also used as a structural material in some reactor designs.


How are nuclear reactors used in nuclear reactors?

Nuclear reactors use controlled nuclear fission reactions to generate heat, which is then used to produce steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. The heat is produced in the reactor core where nuclear fuel rods containing uranium or plutonium undergo fission reactions. The reactor's cooling system helps regulate the temperature and prevent overheating.


What is a graphite reactor?

A graphite reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that uses graphite as a moderator to slow down neutrons so they are more likely to cause fission in the fuel. Graphite reactors were used in early nuclear research and power generation, notably in the first nuclear reactor built by Enrico Fermi in Chicago in 1942. They have largely been replaced by other reactor designs such as light water reactors.


What type of nuclear reaction is used in modern day nuclear reactors?

Modern day nuclear reactors primarily use fission reactions, where the nucleus of an atom is split into smaller fragments, releasing large amounts of energy. Fission reactions are controlled in reactors to generate heat, which is used to produce electricity.

Related questions

How is nuclear graphite manufactured?

The graphite used in graphite moderated nuclear reactors is produced in the same type of electrical furnace as is used to produce ordinary graphite, except there must be no boron in any part of the furnace.


What are graphite's uses?

Graphite is a pure form of coal or carbon. It is a good conductor of heat and electrcity. It is used as a neutron moderator in nuclear reactors of type Gas Cooled reactors.


Are control rods in nuclear reactors made of graphite?

Control rods in nuclear reactors are typically made of materials with high neutron-absorbing capabilities, such as boron or cadmium. Graphite is used in some reactors as a moderator to slow down neutrons, but it is not typically used as a material for control rods.


Why graphite bars are used in nuclear reactions?

Graphite bars are used in nuclear reactions because they act as a moderator, slowing down the neutrons produced in the reaction. This helps increase the likelihood of neutron interactions with uranium atoms, facilitating the nuclear chain reaction. Additionally, graphite's ability to withstand high temperatures and its chemical stability make it a suitable material for use in nuclear reactors.


Are control rods made of graphite in a nuclear reactor?

Control rods in a nuclear reactor are typically made of materials like boron or cadmium that can absorb neutrons to regulate the nuclear reaction. Graphite is used as a moderator to slow down neutrons in certain types of reactors, but it is not typically used in control rods.


What is the function of graphite in a nuclear reactor?

Graphite is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors to slow down neutrons produced during nuclear fission. Slower neutrons are more likely to cause additional fission reactions, allowing for a sustained nuclear reaction. Graphite is also used as a structural material in some reactor designs.


How are nuclear reactors used in nuclear reactors?

Nuclear reactors use controlled nuclear fission reactions to generate heat, which is then used to produce steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. The heat is produced in the reactor core where nuclear fuel rods containing uranium or plutonium undergo fission reactions. The reactor's cooling system helps regulate the temperature and prevent overheating.


What nuclear reaction is currently used to produce nuclear energy in nuclear reactors?

We use nuclear fission in nuclear reactors to tap nuclear energy.


Are lasers used for nuclear reactors?

No, at least not for power reactors


What can be used as a substitute for nuclear reactors?

No substitute for nuclear power reactors especially if there is no available fossil fuel.


What type of substance is graphite?

Graphite is a crystalline form of the element carbon. It is a non-metal and a good conductor of electricity due to its unique structure of bonded carbon atoms. It is commonly used in pencils, lubricants, and as a component in nuclear reactors.


What fields are plutonium used in?

Nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons