What is a nuclear reactor ? Explain its essential parts with their functions.

Explanation

A nulcear reactor is a device in which the nuclear fission reaction takes place in a self-sustained and controlled manner to produce electricity.
Essential parts and their functions : fuel :
(i) A fissile material is used as fuel.
(ii) The commonly used fuel material is uranium.
(iii) Moderator:
(i) It is used to slow down the high energy neutrons to get slow neutrons.
(ii) Graphite and heavy water are the commonly used moderators.
Control rods:
It is used to control the number of neutrons in order to have sustained chain reaction.
(ii) Mostly boron or cadmium rods are used as control rods.
Coolant:
(i) It is used to remove the heat produced in the reactor core to produce steam.
(ii) This steam is used to run a turbine to produce electricity. Water, air and helium are some of the coolant materials.

Protection wall : A thick concreate lead will is built around the nuclear reactor in order to prevent the harmful radiations from escaping into the environment.