Which term describes anything containing reactivity or the reactor itself?

Which term describes anything containing reactivity or the reactor itself?

• A. Containment system
• B. Shielding
• C. Radiation barrier
• D. Coolant loop

Answer: (A)

Containment is the protective enclosure that isolates the reactor and its radioactive materials. Its purpose is to keep fission products from escaping to the environment, even in accidents, by providing barriers around the reactor, including the reactor vessel and the surrounding containment building. Shielding and radiation barriers reduce radiation exposure outside the facility but do not confine the reactor or its radioactive inventory. The coolant loop handles heat removal from the core and does not serve to contain radioactive materials. So the term that describes anything containing reactivity or the reactor itself is containment.

Containment is the protective enclosure that isolates the reactor and its radioactive materials. Its purpose is to keep fission products from escaping to the environment, even in accidents, by providing barriers around the reactor, including the reactor vessel and the surrounding containment building. Shielding and radiation barriers reduce radiation exposure outside the facility but do not confine the reactor or its radioactive inventory. The coolant loop handles heat removal from the core and does not serve to contain radioactive materials. So the term that describes anything containing reactivity or the reactor itself is containment.