How does a nuclear power plant generate electricity?

Answer 1

Basically, radioactive fuel, such as uranium is loaded into a reactor. Heat is generated by atoms splitting apart and generating heat energy; a chain reaction causes other atoms to split and generate more heat. Control rods are used to control the speed of the reaction. Water collects the heat energy and releases it to cooler water in a heat exchanger. The water is turned into steam, which turns a turbine that is connected to an electricity generator. The generator produces electricity which provides energy for homes, business, etc.

For more details, please visit the Related Link.

Answer 2

The nuclear part of a power station, just generates a vast amount of heat.

This heat, is used to turn water into steam at high pressure.

The high pressure steam is injected into a turbine (like an enclosed fan), which then turns a generator.

The generator is basically the same unit as used in water turbines, wind turbines or internal combustion engine driven generators.

The only complicated and different part of the nuclear power station, is the steam generation part, the control of the radio active material and the heat it generates. It is controlled by inserting carbon rods between the fuel rods to turn the heat down.

Because radioactivity is dangerous to all living things, no one is allowed near it and all handling is done remotely.

Hundreds of safety proceedures have to be in place, to prevent any radioactivity leaking out into the environment and to control the possibilty of thermal runaway, where the reactor part may become uncontrollable, melt and leak.

Answer 3

Nuclear fission, which is the term used to describe the process of splitting atoms to create heat. The heat created then boils water into steam moving turbines. these turbines most commonly have a copper coil and a magnet at its core, this in turn creates electrical energy. unstable dense elements such as uranium are commonly used in the nuclear process.

Answer 4

nuclear fusion