Question:

Which among the following elements is used in nuclear reactors as moderator?

Updated On: Jun 13, 2023
  • Ca
  • K
  • Mg
  • Be
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Beryllium has excellent neutron moderating properties due to its low neutron absorption cross-section and high scattering efficiency. It is capable of slowing down the neutrons effectively without significantly absorbing them. Therefore, beryllium is a commonly used material in certain types of nuclear reactors as a moderator to control the speed of neutrons. 
Therefore the element used in nuclear reactors as a moderator is option (D) beryllium (Be).

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Concepts Used:

Heavy Water

Heavy water (2H2O, D2O - deuterium oxide) is a form of water that consists only of deuterium rather than the common hydrogen-1 isotope that composes most of the hydrogen in normal water. The presence of the heavier hydrogen isotope gives the water distinct nuclear properties, and the increase of mass gives it slightly distinct physical and chemical properties when compared to normal water.

There are some other heavy forms of water such as;

  1. Semiheavy water
  2. Heavy-oxygen water
  3. Tritiated water

Properties of Hard Water:

  1. Heavy water is slighter dissociated than light water at a given temperature, and the true concentration of D+ ions is slighter than  H+ ions would be for a light water sample at the same temperature.
  2. Heavy water is more concentrated than ordinary water, and heavy water has physically distinct properties that can be seen without equipment if a frozen sample is dropped into normal water, as it will sink.