Define the nuclear power, Physics

Assignment Help:

Define the Nuclear Power

As an energy source, nuclear power is an alternative to fossil fuels.  Controlled nuclear chain reactions are used to generate electricity in a safe manner in nuclear power plants. The fuel used in nuclear power plants consists of uranium: U-238 and U-235. U-235 undergoes fission and releases a tremendous amount of energy, triggering other atoms to split, if the uranium is concentrated in a tight ball.  Control rods are made of good neutron absorbers such as boron. The control rods are lowered into the fuel to slow down the fission reaction. They absorb some of the neutrons produced by the fission reactions so that there are fewer neutrons available to start othesr reactions. This keeps the overall reaction under control.

A gas or water is used as a coolant. The coolant carries heat from the reactor to a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger contains water which is heated to form steam. The steam moves a turbine which in turn drives a generator. The generator produces electricity.

One major downside to using nuclear fuel to power electric generating power plants is the spent fuel that must be dealt with, since the waste products of the fission reactions are still radioactive.  Much of the radioactive waste material has a half-life of thousands of years.  Safe storage of these materials is of major concern, because of the possibility of leaks, and they pose a long-term environmental pollution problem.

To calculate the energy produced during a nuclear fission or fusion reaction, we must first calculate the mass lost during the reaction. We then use Einstein’s famous equation of E = mc2 to calculate the energy produced during the reaction.


Related Discussions:- Define the nuclear power

Maxwell-ampere-s-law-2-quation, Maxwell''s equations are a set of partial d...

Maxwell''s equations are a set of partial differential equations that, together with the Lorentz force law, form the foundation of classical electrodynamics, electric circuits and

Define specific rotation, Q Define: specific rotation? Precise rotation...

Q Define: specific rotation? Precise rotation for a given wavelength of light at a given temperature is defined as the rotation produced by one-decimetre length of the liquid c

Which of the subsequent statements is true, Que: Consider a capacitor c...

Que: Consider a capacitor containing of two flat metal plates of one and the same size. The plates are opposite each other and they are well-aligned with each other. The plates

Explain rigid body, A rigid object is a body with a exact and unchanged siz...

A rigid object is a body with a exact and unchanged size and shape i.e. a body is said to be rigid if the distance among any two particles of the body remains invariant.

Describe q-factor in oscillation, Describe Q-factor in oscillations? How do...

Describe Q-factor in oscillations? How does it relay on damping

Illustrate what is a thermal transformation, Q. Illustrate what is a therma...

Q. Illustrate what is a thermal transformation? Answer:- Chemical or else physical changes are not requiring a change in the temperature of the substance as in the formati

State biot-savart law, State Biot-Savart's law. Using this law, derive the...

State Biot-Savart's law. Using this law, derive the expression for the magnetic field because of a current carrying circular loop of radius 'R', at a point which is at a distance '

Light, does lights of different wavelengths help us to see different colour...

does lights of different wavelengths help us to see different colour

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd