Which one of the following is a material used as both a moderator and a coolant in nuclear reactors?

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CollectorBabu · Accepted Answer

Correct Answer: Heavy water. Heavy water (D 2 O) in nuclear reactors is used as both the moderator and coolant forms. Heavy Water displays similar physical and chemical properties but differs in nuclear properties when compared to ordinary water which makes it an extremely efficient material for use as moderator and coolant in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWRs). Moderator is required in a Nuclear reactor to slow down the neutrons produced during the fission reaction so that the chain reaction can be sustained. Heavy Water is an excellent moderator due to its high moderating ratio and low absorption cross-section for neutrons. Heat energy produced in the core of reactor due to fission reaction is required to be carried away by a coolant. Heavy Water is used as a primary coolant to transport heat generated by the fission reaction to secondary coolant, light water.

Which one of the following is a material used as both a moderator and a coolant in nuclear reactors?

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