Which statement describes the function of control rods?
they release neutrons during fission reactions.
they undergo nuclear fission reactions.
they control the rate of reactions.
they directly convert water to steam.

Chapter 23, problem 075 the figure shows a geiger counter, a device used to detect ionizing radiation (radiation that causes ionization of atoms). the counter consists of a thin, positively charged central wire surrounded by a concentric, circular, conducting cylindrical shell with an equal negative charge. thus, a strong radial electric field is set up inside the shell. the shell contains a low-pressure inert gas. a particle of radiation entering the device through the shell wall ionizes a few of the gas atoms. the resulting free electrons (e) are drawn to the positive wire. however, the electric field is so intense that, between collisions with gas atoms, the free electrons gain energy sufficient to ionize these atoms also. more free electrons are thereby created, and the process is repeated until the electrons reach the wire. the resulting "avalanche" of electrons is collected by the wire, generating a signal that is used to record the passage of the original particle of radiation. suppose the radius of the central wire is 24 âµm, the inner radius of the shell 2.3 cm, and the length of the shell 14 cm. if the electric field at the shell's inner wall is 2.8 ă— 104 n/c, what is the total positive charge on the central wire?

The coefficient of friction is a number that represents the resistance to sliding between two in contact with one another.

Beryl states that insulation with the smallest possible thermal conductivity is best to keep a house warm in winter, but worst for keeping a house cool in summer. sapphire insists the reverse is true: low thermal conductivity is good in the summer, but bad in the winter. which one, if either is correct? a. beryl, because low thermal conductivity results in low heat transfer. b. beryl, because low thermal conductivity results in high heat transfer. d. sapphire, because low thermal conductivity results in high heat transfer. e. neither, because low heat transfer is desirable both in summer and in winter.