Moderator

Nuclear Energy

Material that slows neutrons.

A moderator slows fast fission neutrons to thermal energies through scattering, increasing the fission probability in fuels such as uranium-235. Water, heavy water, and graphite are classic moderators.

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Articles

Coolant and Moderator

The coolant removes heat. The moderator slows neutrons. Sometimes they are the same fluid.

8 min read

Glossary

Thermal neutron

Neutron in thermal equilibrium with the moderator.

Coolant

Fluid that removes heat from a reactor or plant.