A fast breeder reactor is characterized by its ability to__________________?
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Answer: C. has no moderator
Explanation
Fast breeder reactors operate on fast neutrons and therefore do not require a moderating medium to slow down neutrons. Operating without a moderator allows neutron energies to remain high, which maximizes the fission probability in fertile uranium-238. Eliminating the moderator also reduces parasitic neutron absorption, significantly improving the overall fuel breeding conversion ratio. A fast breeder reactor is an advanced nuclear reactor designed to produce more fissile material than it consumes during operation. Neutron moderators are low-atomic-mass materials traditionally used to slow fast fission neutrons down to thermal energy levels. Liquid metal coolants such as liquid sodium are utilized in these reactors because they do not moderate neutron speeds.
Option A is incorrect because graphite acts as a powerful moderator and would slow down fast neutrons undesirably. Option B is wrong because powerful moderators are intentionally excluded from fast reactor core designs. Options D and E are incorrect because ferrite materials and pressurized water act as moderators or coolants unsuited for fast reactors.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Mechanical Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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