Which outcome occurs when heavy isotopes accumulate in reactor coolant?

💡 Explanation

Increased neutron cross-section occurs because heavy isotopes absorb more neutrons, therefore reducing available neutrons to sustain fission; rather than enhancing moderation, absorption dominates. The **neutron poisoning** mechanism explains the cross section increase.

• Which consequence results when hydrogen fusion within a tokamak prematurely quenches?
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• Which increased risk results when a municipal water supply encounters prolonged sub-zero temperatures?
• Which risk increases when liquid nitrogen rapidly undergoes phase transition in poorly vented electronics?
• Which outcome occurs when increased interstitial atoms distort the crystal lattice band?
• Which outcome occurs when incident photons lack sufficient energy to overcome the band gaps in silicon nanocrystals?