Which instability arises when Xe-135 accumulates in nuclear reactors?

💡 Explanation

Iodine pit formation occurs because Xe-135 strongly absorbs neutrons. Reactor power dips which in turn reduces Xe-135 burnout and iodine decay creates more Xe-135; the positive feedback drives oscillations rather than stabilizing operation because of xenon poisoning.

• Which outcome occurs when a lubricant exceeds yield stress?
• Which outcome will reduce surge pressures calculated using the Allievi equation for water hammer?
• Which consequence results when a catalyst doubles the rate constant?
• Which outcome typically occurs when applying stress to a polycrystalline material?
• Which consequence results from an overabundance of Xenon-135 isotopes in a nuclear reactor?
• Which risk increases as the lubrication pump's clearance widens?