Question

during a heat wave, there is an increased demand for electricity to operate air conditioners. the basic design of a nuclear reactor that generates electricity is shown below.
what is the best way for the power plant manager to modify the reactor to meet the demand for electricity?
lower the control rods, which will absorb more neutrons before they can split atoms
raise the control rods so that fewer neutrons are absorbed and more can split uranium atoms
remove some of the fuel rods, which will leave more room for additional neutrons to split atoms
add additional fuel rods to generate additional neutrons to split uranium atoms

Explanation:

• Control rods absorb neutrons. When control rods are raised, fewer neutrons are absorbed.
• More neutrons available mean more uranium atoms can be split (nuclear fission), which increases the power output of the reactor to meet the increased electricity demand.
• Lowering control rods (absorb more neutrons) would decrease the reaction rate. Removing fuel rods reduces the amount of fuel for fission. Adding fuel rods is not a typical quick - modification method compared to adjusting control rods.

Answer:

raise the control rods so that fewer neutrons are absorbed and more can split uranium atoms