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With a nuclear reactor running at operating temperature and with all the associated systems on line, the reactor can increase its power output in seconds to accommodate a larger demand for electric power. If we have to start up the reactor and warm up all the steam lines and such, it takes longer to begin to generate electricity.

Nuclear power generator plants generate heat, which heats a closed circulating liquid that is radioactive. That heat is transferred to another liquid, which is not radioactive, is converted to steam, which turns turbine generators which generates electricity. Once everything is up and running, it all happens at a fast rate.

A much less efficient method, but quicker and less complicated, directs the nuclear plants heat to thermocouples or some similar technology to generate electricity immediately.

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Is power reactor a thermal reactor?

Yes, a power reactor is a type of thermal reactor. Power reactors use nuclear fission to produce heat, which is then used to generate electricity. The heat generated in the reactor comes from the controlled chain reaction of nuclear fission, making it a thermal reactor.


How does nuclear energy water and coal make electricity?

Electric power is created by turning a generator at speeds fast enough to produce energy. Nuclear and Coal powered plants use heat to create steam to force the turning of a generator. Water power uses a difference in height from input to output to produce the desired turning of the generators.


How fast does a turbine in a nuclear power plant spin?

The turbine in a nuclear power plant typically spins at around 3,600 revolutions per minute (RPM) to generate electricity efficiently. The high-speed rotation of the turbine is used to drive the generator that produces electricity.


What can nuclear energy be used for?

The two "basic types" of nuclear energy are based on fission and fusion. Fission is atom splitting. Fusion is the forcing together of nuclei and causing them to fuse, to stick together, and to form a new nucleus. In both reactions, a lot of heat is generated. The reactions can be set up to occur "really fast" and release energy all at once. This the idea behind the nuclear weapons.


What material does a nuclear power station use for energy?

Most nuclear power stations use uranium enriched to 3% uranium-235 isotope. The nuclear power stations in France include some reprocessed plutonium mixed with the enriched uranium. A small number of nuclear power stations were designed with fast neutron breeder reactors and used uranium enriched to as much as 93.7% uranium-235 isotope. As more of the uranium-238 (or thorium-232) in the breeding blanket was transmuted to fissionable plutonium (or uranium) isotopes, the breeding blanket material would be reprocessed and these fissionable isotopes would be used to replace the original spent uranium. But only a small number of such nuclear power stations were built and the system for reprocessing of the breeding blanket material was not set up.

Related Questions

Is power reactor a thermal reactor?

Yes, a power reactor is a type of thermal reactor. Power reactors use nuclear fission to produce heat, which is then used to generate electricity. The heat generated in the reactor comes from the controlled chain reaction of nuclear fission, making it a thermal reactor.


How does nuclear energy water and coal make electricity?

Electric power is created by turning a generator at speeds fast enough to produce energy. Nuclear and Coal powered plants use heat to create steam to force the turning of a generator. Water power uses a difference in height from input to output to produce the desired turning of the generators.


How fast does a turbine in a nuclear power plant spin?

The turbine in a nuclear power plant typically spins at around 3,600 revolutions per minute (RPM) to generate electricity efficiently. The high-speed rotation of the turbine is used to drive the generator that produces electricity.


What can nuclear energy be used for?

The two "basic types" of nuclear energy are based on fission and fusion. Fission is atom splitting. Fusion is the forcing together of nuclei and causing them to fuse, to stick together, and to form a new nucleus. In both reactions, a lot of heat is generated. The reactions can be set up to occur "really fast" and release energy all at once. This the idea behind the nuclear weapons.


Is nuclear power generated fast?

yes


How fast do humans use nuclear power?

As fast as it is produced, there is no way to store it.


Why is plutonium in a nuclear power sation?

Plutonium is used in nuclear power stations as a fuel in some types of reactors, like fast breeder reactors. It can undergo fission to produce energy. Additionally, plutonium can be created as a byproduct in nuclear reactors, which can then be reprocessed and reused as fuel.


How is nuclear energy is useful?

NUCLEAR DEBATE 1)Proponents of nuclear energy assert that nuclear power is a compact, reliable sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions and increases energy security. Proponents highlight that nuclear energy's operational safety record is already very good when compared to other major power plant technologies. They claim that the risks of waste and other environmental impacts are small compared to other sources of electricity and can be further reduced by improved technology in new reactors. 2)Mainly to produce electricity. Also to produce radio-isotopes for medical and industrial use 3)The two "basic types" of nuclear energy are based on fission and fussion. Fission is basically atom splitting. Fusion is the forcing together of nuclei and causing them to fuse, to stick together, and to form a new nucleus. In both nuclear reactions, a lot of heat is generated. The reactions can be set up to occur "really fast" and release energy all at one. This the idea behind the nuclear weapons. There is another idea. Because the primary useful energy released in nuclear reactions is heat, that heat can be captured to do useful work. At present, we can't do any "controlled fusion" and capture heat to generate electric power. But we can use fission to our advantage to make heat to boil water to generate steam to turn a turbine to turn a generator and make electricity. And we do this pretty well.


When an atomic nucleus divides it releases?

When an atomic nucleus divides through the process known as nuclear fission, it releases energy in the form of gamma rays and fast-moving particles, such as neutrons. This energy release is what makes nuclear reactions useful for generating electricity in nuclear power plants.


What is the difference between power and electricity?

I think you probably mean between power and current? The electrical state of a circuit is expressed in volts and amps. The power is given by (volts x amps) and is in Watts. ---- Power is a measure of how fast work is being done or how fast energy is being expended. For example, you must produce more power to ride a bike at 20 mph than you do to ride it at 5 mph. Common measurements of power are watts and horsepower. Electricity is movement of electrons. Electricity is commonly used to move energy from one place to another.


What material does a nuclear power station use for energy?

Most nuclear power stations use uranium enriched to 3% uranium-235 isotope. The nuclear power stations in France include some reprocessed plutonium mixed with the enriched uranium. A small number of nuclear power stations were designed with fast neutron breeder reactors and used uranium enriched to as much as 93.7% uranium-235 isotope. As more of the uranium-238 (or thorium-232) in the breeding blanket was transmuted to fissionable plutonium (or uranium) isotopes, the breeding blanket material would be reprocessed and these fissionable isotopes would be used to replace the original spent uranium. But only a small number of such nuclear power stations were built and the system for reprocessing of the breeding blanket material was not set up.


What are the characteristics and applications of fast neutron energy?

Fast neutron energy is characterized by high kinetic energy levels, making them effective for inducing nuclear reactions. These reactions can be utilized in nuclear power generation, nuclear weapons, and neutron imaging techniques. Fast neutron reactors can also help reduce nuclear waste and increase fuel efficiency in the nuclear industry.