Q1: Biological shield in a nuclear reactor is generally provided to protect against the

ANS:C - gamma rays & neutrons

Biological shield in a nuclear reactor is generally provided to protect against gamma rays and neutrons. Explanation:

• Nuclear reactors produce various types of radiation during their operation, including gamma rays and neutrons.
• Gamma rays are high-energy electromagnetic radiation emitted during nuclear reactions. They can penetrate materials and cause biological damage.
• Neutrons are neutral subatomic particles emitted during nuclear fission reactions. They can also penetrate materials and cause biological damage.
• Alpha rays and beta rays are also emitted during nuclear reactions, but they have relatively lower penetration abilities compared to gamma rays and neutrons. Alpha particles are helium nuclei (two protons and two neutrons), and beta particles are high-energy electrons or positrons.
• The biological shield in a nuclear reactor is designed to absorb or attenuate gamma rays and neutrons to protect personnel and the environment surrounding the reactor from radiation exposure.
• This shield is typically made of dense materials such as concrete, lead, or water, which effectively absorb or scatter gamma rays and neutrons, thereby reducing their intensity and protecting against biological damage.