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

Determine the equivalent and reaction force, When a plane is in flight, the...

When a plane is in flight, the entire weight of the aircraft is essentially supported by the wings. To help you with this problem, it will be best if you visualize holding a model

Angular velocity, Three children are riding on the edge of a merry-go-round...

Three children are riding on the edge of a merry-go-round that is 100 kg, has a 1.60-m radius, and is spinning at 20.0 rpm. The children have masses of 22.0, 28.0, and 33.0 kg. If

Nuclear, how proton electron hypothesis is rejectrd on the basis of nuclear...

how proton electron hypothesis is rejectrd on the basis of nuclear magnetic dipole moment?

Motion equations, derivation by calculas method of Snth = (Sn – Sn -1) = u ...

derivation by calculas method of Snth = (Sn – Sn -1) = u + a/2 (2n – 1)

What is an optical fibre, Q. What is an optical fibre and dispersion? Write...

Q. What is an optical fibre and dispersion? Write the expression for angle of deviation.

Determine the highest order spectrum, Determine the highest order spectrum ...

Determine the highest order spectrum which can be seen with monochromatic light of 589.3 nm wavelength by means of a diffraction grating having 15000 lines/inch.

Physical arrangement of resistors, Physical arrangement of resistors: B...

Physical arrangement of resistors: Before we look at some problems it is necessary to warn you that physical appearances can be deceptive. When components are mounted they are

Dispersion of light, Dispersion of Light: When a beam of light is permi...

Dispersion of Light: When a beam of light is permitted to pass by a prism, it splits in a band of different colors. This band of different colors is known as spectrum and the p

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