--%>

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 : Physics Assignement Answers and

    Answers and explanation to all the questions.

  • Q : Define Mediocrity principle Mediocrity

    Mediocrity principle: The principle that there is nothing predominantly interesting about our position in space or time, or regarding ourselves. This principle most likely first made its real manifestation in the scientific community whenever Shapley

  • Q : Define Constancy principle Constancy

    Constancy principle (A. Einstein): One of the postulates of Sir Einstein's special theory of relativity that puts forth that the speed of light in vacuum is computed as similar speed to all observers, in spite of of their relative mot

  • Q : How asteroids are formed Explain how

    Explain how asteroids are formed? Describe.

  • Q : What do you mean by the term fusion

    What do you mean by the term fusion reaction?

  • Q : Explain Rydberg formula Rydberg formula

    Rydberg formula (Rydberg): The formula that explains all of the characteristics of hydrogen's spectrum, comprising the Balmer, Paschen, Lyman, Brackett, and Pfund sequence. For the transition between an electron in

  • Q : Negative mass defect State is it

    State is it possible that the nucleus consists of negative mass defect?

  • Q : What is Geometrized units Geometrized

    Geometrized units: The system of units whereby certain basic constants (G, c, k, and h) are set to unison. This makes computations in certain theories, like general relativity, much simpler to deal with, as such constants appear often.

    Q : Define Weiss constant Weiss constant :

    Weiss constant: The characteristic constant dependent on the substance, employed in computing the susceptibility of the paramagnetic materials.

  • Q : Polarization In a non-polar - molecule,

    In a non-polar - molecule, the centre of the nuclei and electron orbit overlap when such a molecule is positioned in electric field, the electrons are attracted with the positive charged of the anode and repelled by the negative charges of the cathode. Because of grea