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Nuclear Fission

Q13. The core of a thermal nuclear reactor contains a number of components that are exposed to moving neutrons.

(a) State what happens to a neutron that is incident on the moderator.

[1 mark]

(b) State what happens to a neutron that is incident on a control rod.

[1 mark]

(c) A slow-moving neutron is in collision with a nucleus of an atom of the fuel which causes fission. Describe what happens in the process.

[3 marks]

(d) A thermal nuclear reactor produces radioactive waste.

State the source of this waste and discuss some of the problems faced in dealing with the waste at various stages of its treatment.

Your answer should include:

the main source of the most dangerous waste

a brief outline of how waste is treated

problems faced in dealing with the waste, with suggestions for overcoming these problems.

[6 marks]

(Total 11 marks)