CONTROL ROD Meaning and
Definition
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A control rod is an essential component of a nuclear reactor, primarily used to manage or regulate the rate of nuclear fission. It is typically a long cylindrical rod made of a material that is capable of absorbing, or moderating, the free neutrons produced during the fission process. The control rod is inserted or withdrawn into the reactor core to control the chain reaction, maintain the desired level of power output, and manage the reactor's overall reactivity.
The control rod's primary function is to absorb excess neutrons, thereby reducing the number of neutrons available to sustain the fission chain reaction. By adjusting the position of the control rod within the reactor core, nuclear operators can precisely control the rate of fission, prevent overheating, and maintain a stable and controlled nuclear reaction.
The materials commonly used in the construction of control rods include boron, silver-indium-cadmium alloy, and hafnium. These materials possess excellent neutron-absorbing properties, allowing them to effectively attenuate the neutron flux within the reactor.
Control rods are equipped with mechanisms that enable their movement within the reactor core, such as hydraulic systems or electromagnets. These movement mechanisms, controlled by reactor operators or automated systems, ensure precise and timely adjustments to the control rod position, maintaining the reactor's desired state and preventing any potential accidents or undesirable reactions.
In summary, a control rod is a crucial device used in nuclear reactors to control and adjust the rate of nuclear fission by absorbing excess neutrons and maintaining a safe and stable nuclear reaction within the reactor core.
Common Misspellings for CONTROL ROD
- xontrol rod
- vontrol rod
- fontrol rod
- dontrol rod
- cintrol rod
- ckntrol rod
- clntrol rod
- cpntrol rod
- c0ntrol rod
- c9ntrol rod
- cobtrol rod
- comtrol rod
- cojtrol rod
- cohtrol rod
- conrrol rod
- confrol rod
- congrol rod
- conyrol rod
- con6rol rod
Etymology of CONTROL ROD
The word "control rod" has a straightforward etymology.
The term "control" comes from the Old French word "conteroler", meaning "to keep in check, control". It was derived from the Latin word "conterolare", which combines the prefix "con-" (meaning "together") and "rotulus" (meaning "a roll or register"). This Latin origin implies the idea of "keeping things together" or "regulating".
The word "rod" derives from Middle English "rodd" or "rode", which also comes from the Old English word "rodd", meaning "staff or rod". It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "rody" and the Proto-Indo-European root "ret-" (meaning "to run" or "run straight").
Similar spelling words for CONTROL ROD
- control tower,
- controversy,
- control,
- controls,
- control room,
- control system,
- control center,
- control grid,
- controlled,
- controller,
- controvert,
- riot control,
- control key,
- Contra Danse,
- contrail,
- control stock,
- controversial,
- controlling,
- control rat,
- connatural,
- control board,
- controllable,
- contralto,
- radio-circuit control,
- radio control,
- control panel,
- control ratio,
- contriver,
- counteroffer,
- control freak,
- control stick.
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