in the environments where exposure to radiation may occur such as nuclear power plants and medical imaging facilities. Pocket dosimeter is used to provide the wearer with an immediate reading of his/her exposure to X-rays and γ rays. . .
Preventive measures Figure. . Lead coated aprons model. Radioactive materials should be kept in a thick walled lead container.
Lead coated aprons and lead gloves should be used while working with hazardous radioactive materials. You should avoid eating while handling radioactive materials. The radioactive materials should be handled only by tongs or by a remote control device. Dosimeters should be worn by the users to check the level of radiation.
. NUCLEAR REACTOR A Nuclear reactor is a device in which the nuclear fission reaction takes place in a self-sustained and controlled manner to produce electricity. The first nuclear reactor was built in at Chicago, USA. .
. Types of nuclear reactors Breeder reactor, fast breeder reactor, pressurized water reactor, pressurized heavy water reactor, boiling water reactor, water- cooled reactor, gas-cooled reactor, fusion reactor and thermal reactor are some types of nuclear reactors, which are used in different places world-wide. . .
Components of a nuclear reactors The essential components of a nuclear reactor are (i) fuel, (ii) moderator, (iii) control rod, (iv) coolant and (v) protection wall. i. Fuel: A fissile material is used as the fuel. The commonly used fuel material is uranium.
ii. Moderator: A moderator is used to slow down the high energy neutrons to provide slow neutrons. Graphite and heavy water are the commonly used moderators. iii.
Control rod: Control rods are used to control the number of neutrons in order to have sustained chain reaction. Mostly boron or cadmium rods are used as control rods. They absorb the neutrons. iv.
Coolant: A coolant is used to remove the heat produced in the reactor core, to produce steam. This steam is used to run a turbine in order to produce electricity. Water, air and helium are some of the coolants. v.
Protection wall: A thick concrete lead wall is built around