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A nuclear reactor needs negligible power to startup and once running supplies all the power it needs to keep running plus an excess for electric generation.

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Q: How much power is needed to start the reactor and to keep it working?
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If the control rods in a nuclear reactor are removed would the condition be supercritical or subcritical?

If the control rods in a nuclear reactor were somehow to be instantly "jerked" out of the reactor, the reactor would go supercritical. If they were pulled at a normal rate and all of the control rods were pulled out, the reactor would start up and heat up and would end up running far too hot. Any one of several safety systems would shut the reactor down before this could happen. If the safety systems were disabled, the reactor would overheat and a meltdown may occur.


How fast does nuclear power produce electricity?

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.


What fuel is used in nuclear power plants?

A nuclear reactor is a device to initiate, control, and sustain a nuclear chain reaction. Nuclear power is energy produced from controlled nuclear reactions. When it comes to just standard fuel across the table it would have to be: Plutonium, Uranium, and Thorium.


How is californium used in nuclear reactors?

We might use californium as a neutron source in a nuclear reactor. Californium is a neutron emitter, and it can be used to "enhance" start-up abilities of a reactor where the fuel isn't as "good" as it might be in a core of, say, highly enriched uranium.


What are the risks of producing nuclear energy?

One main risk to nuclear power is how it is actually produced. A series of control rods must be in place before you can even start one, and a coolant system is required so the reactor doesn't melt down when it gets too hot.

Related questions

When did North Korea breeder reactor start?

A breeder reactor is generally defined as a power generating reactor that breeds at least sufficient plutonium to replace the U235/Pu which it has consumed. To the best of my knowledge, North Korea does not have such a reactor.


Do nuclear reactors have critical mass?

We know that critical mass can be achieved in a nuclear reactor. If it could not, we'd not be able to get a chain reaction and generate heat to generate power. Reactors don't have critical mass when the control rods are in, but pull the rods, start the reactor up and away you go!


Why did Bessie Smith start working at the age nine?

her family needed the money


What is the difference between nuclear power plant and nuclear reactor?

It's really just a matter of degree, all reactors produce some power. Those used in a power plant will produce perhaps 3000 to 5000 Megawatts thermal. Low power reactors producing a few kilowatts are used for experiments, teaching in universities, and for producing radioisotopes by irradiating samples, but reactors in this sort of power level would not be harnessed to produce electricity, the heat produced if large enough would be removed and rejected to the atmosphere or to a water cooling circuit. This makes them simple to operate and to start and stop as required.


Why would radio stop working in a 2002 Ford Focus SE Wagon and then start working after loss of power and then with new battery start working?

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There were several things needed to start generating power from water. The wheel, the generator and the power transmissions system were all needed.


What is pre opening and working capital?

Pre-opening capital is money needed to start a business. Working capital is the money needed to keep a business running. Working capital, hopefully, is gained through the operation of the business as profit.


What is pre-opening and working capital?

Pre-opening capital is money needed to start a business. Working capital is the money needed to keep a business running. Working capital, hopefully, is gained through the operation of the business as profit.


How do you know if your alternator is not working?

Car won't start... engine can turn over, no power.


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I thought it was a problem on my 1998 Town & Country, but I just needed to turn the key on (don't start the car, just turn the key for power to reach the outlet.) If that is not the problem, check the fuse box under steering wheel.


What is the Working principle of instant power supply?

IPS is instant power supply that is a backup system that start when main energy not available.


Firebird power windows stop working and then start again?

sounds like you need to replace power window master switch