How do control rods in nuclear reactors work?

Question

How do control rods in nuclear reactors work?

In: 221

Answer 1

Nuclear reactor makes heat by smashing little particles called neutrons into the fuel over and over. Control rods are made of a material that absorbs a lot of neutrons, so less of them hit the fuel. Insert control rods, fewer neutrons hit fuel, less heat produced. Insert the control rods far enough and not enough neutrons hit the fuel to sustain the reactor, and it essentially “turns off.”

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