Question

Given below are two statements: Assertion (A): In a nuclear reactor, control rods are used to control the rate of fission reaction. Reason (R): Control rods absorb excess neutrons produced during fission. Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
• B. Both A and R are true but R is not the correct explanation of A
• C. A is true but R is false
• D. A is false but R is true

Hint:

Components of a Nuclear Reactor: \[ \boxed{\text{Fuel} \rightarrow U^{235}} \] \[ \boxed{\text{Moderator} \rightarrow \text{Slows Neutrons}} \] \[ \boxed{\text{Control Rods} \rightarrow \text{Absorb Neutrons}} \] \[ \boxed{\text{Coolant} \rightarrow \text{Removes Heat}} \] A very important CUET Physics topic.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Examine the Assertion. Control rods are inserted into the reactor core to regulate the chain reaction. \[ \boxed{\text{Assertion (A) is True}} \]

Step 2: Examine the Reason. Control rods made of cadmium or boron absorb excess neutrons. \[ \boxed{\text{Reason (R) is True}} \]

Step 3: Determine the relationship. Since neutrons are responsible for sustaining the chain reaction, absorbing excess neutrons controls the rate of fission. Thus Reason correctly explains Assertion. Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A}} \] Therefore, \[ \boxed{\text{(A)}} \] is the correct answer.