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JAMB Physics 1997 Question 50

Question 50

Radioactivity and Nuclear Physics

The graphite rods surrounding the uranium fuel rods in a nuclear reactor, are used to

  1. A.absorb the neutrons and hence halt the nuclear process
  2. B.create the neutrons and hence slow up the nuclear process
  3. C.slow down the neutrons and hence slow the nuclear process
  4. D.speed up the neutrons and hence speed up the nuclear process
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (slow down the neutrons and hence slow the nuclear process)

Explanation

Graphite is a moderator: it slows down fast neutrons. Of the choices, only C says the graphite slows the neutrons; absorbing neutrons is the job of the control rods.