Question

In nuclear reactor, graphite is used as______
A. Fuel
B. Coolant
C. Moderator
D. Electrode

Answer 1

Hint: Study about a nuclear reactor. Learn how it works and what are the different components of the reactors used for which work. Try to imagine what process graphite can be used in this reactor.

Complete Step-by-Step solution:
Nuclear reactor is a device which can be called the heart of a nuclear power plant. A nuclear reactor generates heat through certain nuclear chain reactions. They produce heat through this nuclear chain reaction which is used in many processes.
The nuclear reactor controls the nuclear fission in the core. Nuclear fission is a process where an atom splits up into another atom and releases energy.
Nuclear reactors have moderators which are used to slow down the neutrons. In traditional nuclear reactors we use water as a moderator. It is the same thing as a coolant.
Nuclear reactors work in a process where the nuclear fuel such as uranium absorbs a neutron to split up the atom, this process also releases other neutrons which can be absorbed by other fuel material to form a chain reaction. The moderator slows down the fast-moving neutrons so that the nuclear fuels can absorb the fast-moving neutrons easily.
In graphite moderator nuclear reactors graphite is used as the moderator. Here the fast-moving neutrons strike the graphite molecules and they slow down.
The correct option is: (C).

Note: We have different types of moderators which can be used in different reactors. In fast reactors we don’t use any moderators. Here the neutrons left to move fast. Only in slow reactors do we use moderators. We can use graphite, water, heavy water etc. depending on the reactor.