During a heat wave, there is an increased demand for electricity to operate air conditioners. The basic design of a nuclear reactor that generates electricity is shown below. What is the best way for the power plant manager to modify the reactor to meet the demand for electricity?

a) lower the control rods, which will absorb more neutrons before they can split atoms

b) raise the control rods so that fewer neutrons are absorbed and more can split uranium atoms

c) remove some of the fuel rods, which will leave more room for additional neutrons to split atoms

d) add additional fuel rods to generate additional neutrons to split uranium atoms

Question

Physics

Taylor Lambert

10 March, 12:51

During a heat wave, there is an increased demand for electricity to operate air conditioners. The basic design of a nuclear reactor that generates electricity is shown below. What is the best way for the power plant manager to modify the reactor to meet the demand for electricity?

a) lower the control rods, which will absorb more neutrons before they can split atoms

b) raise the control rods so that fewer neutrons are absorbed and more can split uranium atoms

c) remove some of the fuel rods, which will leave more room for additional neutrons to split atoms

d) add additional fuel rods to generate additional neutrons to split uranium atoms

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Answers (1)

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Cuddles · Answer 1

Given that the design is not shown, for traditional nuclear reactors with control rods, the best way to meet an increased demand for energy would be to raise the control rods so that less neutrons are absorbed.

So, the most reasonable answer to the question is B.