0
When the earthquake happened, the nuclear power plants automatically shut down. However, even after the fission reaction is stopped, the fuel rods are still very hot, and must be kept cooled. The cooling system was working correctly until the tsunami hit, which destroyed the connections to the power grid, as well as the back up diesel generators. This caused the cooling systems to go to the emergency steam turbine mode, which was not adequate to keep the fuel rods cool for very long.
As the fuel rods got hotter, the water boiled off, which allowed the rods to get even hotter, which began generating hydrogen gas. This gas is explosive, and was detonated by something, resulting in the explosions which further damaged the reactors. Also, used fuel rods are stored on site in pools above the reactor vessels, which require cooling as well. These used fuel rods boiled off their cooling water, and began to overheat. The cooling systems had to be supplemented with some other form of cooling, to keep the fuel in the reactor vessels and in the spent fuel pools from over heating. The method used was to pump as much water in to the reactors and the pools as possible, which resulted in very radioactive water accumulating around the reactors. This highly radioactive water began leaking into the ocean, which caused contamination.
Only one nuclear power plant has suffered catastrophic failures, and they are the result of the tsunami, not of design deficiencies.
What else can I help you with?
Why nuclear power plants are used as base load plants?
Nuclear power plants are capital intensive power plants and hence it is more economic to operate them at high capacity factors (or as base load plants)
What are two ways nuclear fission happened in the twentieth century?
Nuclear fission was used in the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II, leading to devastation and loss of lives. It was also harnessed for energy production in nuclear power plants, providing electricity to communities around the world.
What happened during Japan's earthquake?
During Japan's earthquake, which is commonly known as the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake hit the northeastern coast of Japan, triggering a devastating tsunami that reached heights of up to 40 meters. The combined impact caused widespread destruction, with thousands killed or missing, and triggered a nuclear emergency at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. The event was one of the most powerful earthquakes ever recorded and had far-reaching consequences for Japan's infrastructure, economy, and society.
Does China use uranium?
Yes, because China has nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.
Where does the energy from nuclear reactions come from?
Damaged Power Plants
Is japan isa member of Nuclear power state?
Japan has nuclear power plants but no nuclear weapons
Should nuclear power plants be built in tsunami prone areas?
No look what happened to japan in the tsunami no i say no no no no
Why do some not agree with Japan building and using nuclear power plants?
Some people do not agree with Japan building and using nuclear power plants because twenty percent of the worlds earthquakes occur in Japan which causes dangers for the people living in Japan.
What happened to the nuclear power plant after the earthquake in japan?
they exploded
How can there be a nuclear disaster in Japan?
The tsunami wiped out almost all of Japan knocking down many buildings such as skyscrapers and nuclear power plants that were operating in Japan. The tsunami destroyed the nuclear power plants and radiation leaked out which caused a raging panic among the people of Japan.
Where are the nuclear power plants in japan?
Along the Eastern coast of the mainland
How many nuclear power plantS in japan were damaged in earthquake?
lots
Do nuclear power plants cause earthquakes in japan?
No, I'm sure there is no connection
How is the nuclear disaster in Chernobyl related to Japan's earthquake?
They both cuased nuclear melt downs in power plants.
Why does Japan have Nuclear Power plants?
Japan has nuclear power plants for the same reason that other countries have them - they need the power - and nuclear power has the lowest impact of all the various other options. It also happens that Japan is limited for space, having a large population in comparison to their land area. Nuclear power has a low requirement for infrastructure, such as oil or gas pipelines, transfer facilities for coal, etc. and it has a high density of output compared to real estate.
Why does Europe and other countries like japan have more nuclear power plants campared to other types of power?
France produces about 80% of its electricity by nuclear plants, but this is an exception in Europe, most countries with nuclear plants have about 20%, as in the USA. Not sure about Japan, but nuclear appeals there I think because they have little fossil fuels in the country. See www.world-nuclear.org for a more detailed survey.
Why were the nuclear power plants in Japan where they were?
The power plant were where they were because the generators needed cool water for the cooling systems at the plant.
