Physics · Binding energy per nucleon and its variation with mass number, nuclear fission and fusion

When the reactor shuts down why does it require cooling?

When the reactor shuts down why does it require cooling?

  • A. To cool the reactor from chain reaction
  • B. To cool the reactor from fission reaction
  • C. Both (1) and (2)
  • D. None of these

Step-by-step solution

When a nuclear reactor shuts down, the chain reaction stops, but the fission products continue to emit decay heat due to their radioactivity. This decay heat is a direct result of the previous fission reactions, so cooling is required to remove this heat and prevent overheating. Option A is incorrect because the chain reaction is no longer taking place. Option C and D are not correct because only the decay heat from fission products necessitates cooling.
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