The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to(2011)
a) Slow down the speed of neutrons
b) Increase the speed of neutrons
c) Cool down the reactor
d) Stop the nuclear reaction
Answer: A
The function of heavy water in a nuclear reactor is to Slow down the speed of neutrons.
Heavy water is used in certain types of nuclear reactors, where it acts as a neutron moderator to slow down neutrons so that they are more likely to react with the fissile uranium-235 than with uranium-238, which captures neutrons without fissioning.
