Question

In a nuclear power plant, the nuclear reaction is kept from going critical by keeping the rate of reaction safe.

How do the control rods figure into this?

Responses

The control rods absorb excess uranium atoms so that the reaction doesn't happen too quickly.
The control rods absorb excess uranium atoms so that the reaction doesn't happen too quickly.

The control rods absorb the excess heat produced in the reaction.
The control rods absorb the excess heat produced in the reaction.

The control rods provide additional neutrons to keep the reaction going.
The control rods provide additional neutrons to keep the reaction going.

The control rods absorb excess neutrons, keeping them from causing too many uranium atoms to split too quickly.
The control rods absorb excess neutrons, keeping them from causing too many uranium atoms to split too quickly.

Answer 1

The control rods absorb excess neutrons, keeping them from causing too many uranium atoms to split too quickly. This helps regulate the rate of the nuclear reaction and prevents the reaction from going critical, which could lead to a dangerous and uncontrollable chain reaction.