Exam-style question
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How do moderators function in a nuclear reactor?.
- A.They increase the speed of neutrons.
- B.They absorb neutrons to prevent fission.
- C.They slow down neutrons to sustain the chain reaction.
- D.They release energy during fission.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- They slow down neutrons to sustain the chain reaction.
Explanation
Why this works
Moderators are materials that slow down fast neutrons, making them more likely to induce fission when they collide with heavy nuclei, thus sustaining the chain reaction.
Common mistake
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