Which of the following is used as a moderator to control nuclear fission?
Answer Details
Heavy water (D2O) is used as a moderator to control nuclear fission.
A moderator is a substance that is used to slow down the neutrons produced in a nuclear reaction, making them more likely to be captured by the fuel nuclei and causing further fission. Heavy water is a type of water that contains a larger amount of the isotope deuterium (D) than regular water. Deuterium has an extra neutron compared to the more common hydrogen isotope, and this makes heavy water more effective at slowing down neutrons than regular water.
Lead, iron, and chromium are not typically used as moderators in nuclear reactors. Lead can be used as a shield to absorb radiation, while iron and chromium are used in the construction of the reactor vessel and other components.