WAEC Physics 2017 Theory — Question 31
Question 31 of 33 from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Physics 2017 Theory paper, with the correct answer and a full explanation.
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12(a)(ii) State the function of each of the following materials in a nuclear fission reactor: (a) graphite; (b) boron rods; (c) liquid sodium
Model answer
(a) Graphite: To slow down the neutrons so that not all of them would be absorbed by uranium. (b) Boron rods: To absorb some of the neutrons (that are excess) and this controls the rate of the nuclear reaction. (c) Liquid sodium: To extract excess heat from the reaction chamber.
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