Power Systems Questions and Answers – Nuclear Reactor Main Parts and their Functions

This set of Power Systems Multiple Choice Questions & Answers (MCQs) focuses on “Nuclear Reactor Main Parts and their Functions”.

1. In which part of nuclear power plant steam is produced?
a) Boiler
b) Heat exchanger
c) Chamber across the reactor
d) Air preheater
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: There is no boiler in nuclear power plant. The heat energy released in the reactor during nuclear fission is utilised to heat the coolant. This coolant is circulated through the heat exchanger to produce steam.

2. What is the main function of moderator?
a) It absorb the extra neutrons
b) It divert extra neutrons
c) It slow down the speed of fast neutrons
d) It absorb the heat energy caused by nuclear reaction
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: Neutrons rejected during the fission process at a very high velocity of about 1.5 × 107 m/s. For more effective use in nuclear reactor it is desirable to slow down the fast neutrons to speed corresponding to the speed of molecules of gas at normal temperature and pressure. This is accomplished with the help of moderator.

3. Which of the following material is not used as moderator?
a) Oxygen
b) Ordinary water
c) Heavy water
d) Graphite
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: At present the common moderator materials used are graphite, ordinary water and heavy water. Oxygen is not suitable to use due to its low density and the consequent small number of collision.
advertisement
advertisement

4. Which of the following part of nuclear reactor is used to control the rate of reaction.
a) Moderator
b) Control rods
c) Reflector
d) Coolant
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: In a reactor the chain reaction is to be maintained at steady value during the operation of reactor. Also the reactor must be able to shutdown automatically under emergency conditions. All these requires control rods for control of reactor so as to prevent the melting of fuel rods, disintegration of coolant and destruction of reactor as the amount of energy released is enormous.

5. Which of the following is the most essential requirement of control rod material?
a) It must be light weight
b) It must be cheap
c) It must have high absorption capacity for neutrons
d) It must be very reflective to neutrons
View Answer

Answer: c
Explanation: The function of control rod is to control the rate of nuclear reaction by absorption extra release neutrons. Chain reaction is controlled either by removing or inserting neutron absorbing materials. The materials used for control rods must have very high absorption capacity for entrance.
Note: Join free Sanfoundry classes at Telegram or Youtube

6. Which of the following can be used as both as coolant and moderator ?
a) Helium
b) Molten sodium
c) Lithium
d) Ordinary water
View Answer

Answer: d
Explanation: A good coolant should not absorb neutrons, should be non-oxidizing, non-toxic, non corrosive, should have high chemical and radiation stability and good heat transfer ability. Ordinary water is used as both as coolant and moderator in boiling water reactor and pressurized water is used as both as coolant and moderator in pressurized water reactor.

7. In thermal reactors control is very easy in comparison to other reactors.
a) True
b) False
View Answer

Answer: a
Explanation: In thermal reactor control his very easy because of relatively low power densities and longer in neutron lifetime.
advertisement

8. The main body of reactor is called ____________
a) Thermal shielding
b) Reactor vessel
c) Reflector
d) Biological shielding
View Answer

Answer: b
Explanation: The reactor core, reflector and thermal shielding are all enclosed in the main body of reactor and is called reactor vessel or tank. It is strong walled container and provides the entrance and exit for the coolant. It also provides the passage for flow of coolant through and around the reactor core.

Sanfoundry Global Education & Learning Series – Power Systems.

advertisement

To practice all areas of Power Systems, here is complete set of 1000+ Multiple Choice Questions and Answers.

If you find a mistake in question / option / answer, kindly take a screenshot and email to [email protected]

advertisement
advertisement
Subscribe to our Newsletters (Subject-wise). Participate in the Sanfoundry Certification contest to get free Certificate of Merit. Join our social networks below and stay updated with latest contests, videos, internships and jobs!

Youtube | Telegram | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest
Manish Bhojasia - Founder & CTO at Sanfoundry
Manish Bhojasia, a technology veteran with 20+ years @ Cisco & Wipro, is Founder and CTO at Sanfoundry. He lives in Bangalore, and focuses on development of Linux Kernel, SAN Technologies, Advanced C, Data Structures & Alogrithms. Stay connected with him at LinkedIn.

Subscribe to his free Masterclasses at Youtube & discussions at Telegram SanfoundryClasses.