Answer
Boron is added to the water in which used fuel rods are stored in order to control nuclear reactions and prevent a nuclear chain reaction from occurring. This is because used fuel rods still contain radioactive isotopes that continue to undergo fission and produce heat, even after they have been removed from the reactor. If not properly controlled, the heat generated by these isotopes can cause the fuel rods to overheat and potentially cause a fire or explosion.
Boron is a neutron absorber, meaning it can absorb neutrons that are released during nuclear reactions. When boron is added to the water in which used fuel rods are stored, it acts as a neutron poison, absorbing any excess neutrons and preventing them from causing further nuclear reactions. This helps to control the rate of fission and reduce the amount of heat generated by the used fuel rods.
In addition to its neutron-absorbing properties, boron is also a good shield against radiation. By adding boron to the storage water, radiation emitted by the used fuel rods is absorbed, reducing the amount of radiation that is released into the environment.
Overall, the addition of boron to the water in which used fuel rods are stored is an important safety measure to prevent nuclear chain reactions and control the release of radiation from these rods.
Work Step by Step
Boron is added to the water in which used fuel rods are stored in order to control nuclear reactions and prevent a nuclear chain reaction from occurring. This is because used fuel rods still contain radioactive isotopes that continue to undergo fission and produce heat, even after they have been removed from the reactor. If not properly controlled, the heat generated by these isotopes can cause the fuel rods to overheat and potentially cause a fire or explosion.
Boron is a neutron absorber, meaning it can absorb neutrons that are released during nuclear reactions. When boron is added to the water in which used fuel rods are stored, it acts as a neutron poison, absorbing any excess neutrons and preventing them from causing further nuclear reactions. This helps to control the rate of fission and reduce the amount of heat generated by the used fuel rods.
In addition to its neutron-absorbing properties, boron is also a good shield against radiation. By adding boron to the storage water, radiation emitted by the used fuel rods is absorbed, reducing the amount of radiation that is released into the environment.
Overall, the addition of boron to the water in which used fuel rods are stored is an important safety measure to prevent nuclear chain reactions and control the release of radiation from these rods.
