How do control rods in nuclear reactors work?

Question

How do control rods in nuclear reactors work?

In: 221

Answer 1

Basically, the fuel in a nuclear reactor is sustaining its fission reaction because the uranium fuel shoots out neutrons as it “burns”. These neutrons hit other uranium atoms causes them to split, and so on. The control rods are made from a material that tends to absorb neutrons, so inserting them amongst the uranium kills the fuel’s ability to sustain their reactions.