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Most nuclear fission reactors rely on slow neutrons to support the chain reaction, because uranium 235 has a much larger capture cross section for slow neutrons than for fast ones, and the reactor can therefore operate with low enrichment or even natural uranium. When neutrons are produced by fission they are fast, or energetic, and need to be slowed down by some material that does not absorb them too strongly. The best materials for this purpose are high purity graphite or heavy water, that is water with the hydrogen part of the molecule as the deuterium isotope. Reactors with these moderators can be made to work with natural uranium, that is not enriched, with the natural level of 0.7 percent U 235, whereas reactors with natural water moderators need enriched fuel, about 4 percent U235 is usual.

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15y ago
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15y ago

The nuclear power plants need water because it is water which is used to cool down the reactor and the steam formed is used to run turbines which run the genetors to produce electric current. Moreover the heavy water D2O (D: deutrium an isotope of hydrogen ) is used in nuclear to absorb neutons.

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13y ago

I am wondering if this question is in the wrong category as it appears you are asking about hydroelectric power plants, not botanical plants.

Hydroelectric plants use flowing water to turn large turbines attached to electrical generators that produce electrical power. This is usually accomplished by using the massive force of a waterfall or a fast flowing river. In some cases, the tides of lakes or oceans are used.

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13y ago

It is used for cooling the nuclear fuel and hence producing steam for

  • turning steam turbines and hence producing electricity through the turbgenerator system, or
  • use directly as steam in industry
  • use as mechanical energy to fuel nuclear submarines and nuclear powered ships, and or
  • use for sea water desalination
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Alina Hays

Lvl 4
4y ago

The second function for water in such a power plant is to cool the system so as to condense the low-pressure steam and recycle it. As the steam in the internal circuit condenses back to water, the surplus (waste) heat which is removed from it needs to be discharged by transfer to the air or to a body of water. YOUR WELCOME!!! -_-

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Wiki User

11y ago

To clear the plant

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Q: Why are large amounts of water used in nuclear power plants?
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Why are large amounts if water used in nuclear power plants?

to cool the heating rods and generate electricity


Nuclear power plants can produce energy more cheaply and with less pollution them plants that use fossil fuels why are there not more nuclear power plants dad plants that burn fossil fuels?

The problem of disposing large amounts of nuclear waste is not resolved.


Why are nuclear power plants rarely found in the desert?

Nuclear power plants require huge amounts of water for cooling, a resource not available in large quantities in most deserts. However, your question is not completely true as there are nuclear power plants in the desert. Palo Verde in Arizona is an example.


Why aren't there many nuclear energy on the west-coast?

A matter of primary importance is the fact that nuclear power plants need to be built to withstand the heaviest earthquakes likely to happen in the are in which they are sited. The west coast is home to the majority of earthquakes in the United States. Nuclear power plants also need large amounts of cooling water. Most nuclear power plants are inland, on fresh water, and the west coast does not have a large amount of inland water.


Why are nuclear power plants are located in coastal areas?

Nuclear power plants are generally located in coastal areas, or near large lakes, because they need a reliable large scale heat sink.


Why would a country choose to become nuclear free?

These are the 3 main reasons: 1) It will not have to worry of radiation exposure or failure of nuclear power plants. 2) It will not have to siphon off large amounts of money to Nuclear Development programs. 3) It will not be a Target.


How is holding nuclear waste good for the coomunity?

The government and companies will pay states and cities money for using their land for storage of nuclear waste. Nuclear waste can be dangerous, but when stored safely it is no danger. Nuclear waste is produced by nuclear power plants, which produce large amounts of cheap electricity.


Does nuclear fission have small amounts of mass?

Yes compared with fossil fueled power plants of the same electric power output.


Do nuclear reactions produce huge amounts of energy by transforming tiny amounts of matter?

Yes, it is actually annihilation of matter that produces the energy in nuclear fission, which is the reaction that powers power plants


How are nuclear power plants?

by nuclear power ¬.¬


What do nuclear power plants have to do with nuclear energy?

Nuclear power plants produce electricity by using nuclear energy


What are the application of nuclear fission?

1. Nuclear power plants 2. Nuclear weaponsNuclear power plants