From Simple English Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
A
neutron moderator
is a material that slows down
neutrons
. This is done in nuclear
power stations
so the neutrons keep a steady nuclear chain reaction to provide heat.
Neutron moderators are an essential part of most
nuclear reactors
. Common neutron moderators are ordinary
water
(called light water in the nuclear industry),
heavy water
, and
graphite
.