Neutron moderator
Neutron Moderator
A Neutron Moderator (pronunciation: /ˈnjuːtrɒn ˈmɒdəreɪtər/) is a type of Nuclear Material used in Nuclear Reactors to slow down high-energy Neutrons, thereby increasing the likelihood of a neutron causing Nuclear Fission.
Etymology
The term "Neutron Moderator" is derived from the role it plays in moderating, or slowing down, the speed of neutrons. The word "neutron" comes from the Greek word "neutros", meaning "neutral", referring to the neutron's lack of electric charge. The term "moderator" comes from the Latin "moderatus", meaning "controlled" or "regulated".
Function
In a nuclear reactor, the neutron moderator is a key component that slows down fast neutrons, turning them into thermal neutrons. These slower neutrons are more likely to cause fission in the Nuclear Fuel, thereby sustaining the Nuclear Chain Reaction.
Types of Neutron Moderators
Common types of neutron moderators include Light Water, Heavy Water, and Graphite. Each of these materials has different moderating efficiencies and are chosen based on the specific requirements of the nuclear reactor.
- Light Water is the most commonly used neutron moderator. It is effective at slowing down neutrons and is readily available, making it a popular choice for many reactors.
- Heavy Water is a type of water that contains a larger amount of the hydrogen isotope deuterium. It is a more effective moderator than light water, but is more expensive and harder to produce.
- Graphite is a form of carbon that is also used as a neutron moderator. It is particularly effective at slowing down neutrons and is used in some types of reactors, such as the RBMK reactors.
Related Terms
- Nuclear Fission
- Nuclear Chain Reaction
- Nuclear Reactor
- Nuclear Material
- Light Water
- Heavy Water
- Graphite
- RBMK
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neutron moderator
- Wikipedia's article - Neutron moderator
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