What does a neutron moderator do?

Explanation

(i) Moderators: The moderator is a material used to convert fast neutrons into slow neutrons. Usually the moderators are chosen in such a way that it must be very light nucleus having mass comparable to that of neutrons.
(ii) Hence, these light nuclei undergo collision with fast neutrons and the speed of the neutron is reduced.
(iii) A billiard ball striking a stationary billiard ball of equal mass would itself be stopped but the same billiard ball bounces off almost with same spped when it strikes a heavier mass.
(iv) This is the reason for using lighter nuclei as moderators.