--%>
Assignment Help - homework help

Why is heavy water employed as a moderator

Describe why is heavy water employed as a moderator? Illustrate.

E

Expert

Verified

Heavy water is highly enriched in the hydrogen isotope deuterium. We can evaluate the neutron interactions with billiard ball collision, where the neutron collides with nucleus of other atoms and lose energy. When the colliding nucleus size is small such as hydrogen nucleus it will lose the maximum energy. When nucleus is heavy, then the neutron hits the nucleus just alters its direction however not that much change in the energy of neutron. Therefore we use heavy water as moderator to slow down the neutrons.

   Related Questions in Physics

  • Q : What is Reflection law Reflection law :

    Reflection law: For a wave-front intersecting a reflecting surface, the angle of incidence is equivalent to the angle of reflection, in the similar plane stated by the ray of incidence and the normal.

    		•
  • Q : Define Planck constant Planck constant

    Planck constant: h: The basic constant equivalent to the ratio of the energy of a quantum of energy to its frequency. This is the quantum of action. This has the value 6.626 196 x 10-34 J s.

    		•
  • Q : Define Gauss law Gauss' law (K.F.

    Gauss' law (K.F. Gauss): The electric flux via a closed surface is proportional to the arithmetical sum of electric charges contained in that closed surface; in its differential form, div E = rho,

    		•
  • Q : Formula for acceleration What is the

    What is the appropriate formula employed to compute the acceleration? Explain in brief.

    		•
  • Q : How elevation and air pressure affects

    Briefly state how does the elevation and air pressure affects the boiling point of water?

    		•
  • Q : Why Cadmium rods are given in a nuclear

    Cadmium rods are given in a nuclear reactor. Explain why?

    		•
  • Q : What is Speed of light Speed of light

    Speed of light (in vacuo): c: The speed at which the electromagnetic radiation spreads in a vacuum; it is stated as 299 792 458 m/s.

    		•
  • Q : Brownian motion Brownian motion   - The

    Brownian motion  - The continuous random motion of a solid microscopic particle whenever suspended in a fluid medium due to the effect of ongoing bombardment by molecules and atoms.  

    		•
  • Q : What is Standard quantum limit Standard

    Standard quantum limit: It is the limit obligatory on standard techniques of measurement by the uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics.

    		•
  • Q : Explain Davisson-Germer experiment

    Davisson-Germer experiment (C.J. Davisson, L.H. Germer; 1927): The experiment which conclusively proved the wave nature of electrons; diffraction patterns were examined by an electron beam penetrating into the nickel target.

    		•