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

The voltage control, The Voltage Control A voltage controller, also kno...

The Voltage Control A voltage controller, also known as an AC voltage controller or AC regulator is an electronic module which is based on either thyristors, SCRs, TRIACs or IG

Determine the external reaction, Determine the external reactions on the x-...

Determine the external reactions on the x- and y-directions needed to hold the fixed vane, which turns the free oil jet in a horizontal plane. V1 = 18 m/s, V2 = 17 m/s, and Q = 0.1

Pesudo force, Ask questidefination and explanation of pesudo force on #Mini...

Ask questidefination and explanation of pesudo force on #Minimum 100 words accepted#

Noether theorem, Noether theorem (Noether): A theorem which revels tha...

Noether theorem (Noether): A theorem which revels that symmetries are what gives increase to conserved quantities. For example, translational symmetry (the fact that the laws

Experiments based on vernier callipers, A vernier callipers gives with an a...

A vernier callipers gives with an auxiliary (or vernier) scale in addition to the major measurement scale. The vernier scale may be slide with the main scale. The vernier scale is

What is the total power of the combination, A thin convex lens of focal len...

A thin convex lens of focal length 0.1m and a thin concave lens of focal length 0.1m are placed co-axially in contact. What is the total power of the combination?

Can several fibers gives the same amount of light, Can several fibers gives...

Can several fibers gives the same amount of light? No, some fibers do not give similar amount of light. If a no. of fibers or light guides are coupled similar illuminator, this

Explain constant current system, Explain Constant current system Const...

Explain Constant current system Constant current system : - In this process, the charging current is kept constant by varying the supply voltage to overcome the enhanced back

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