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Most nuclear power plants use thermal-neutron reactors. These reactors use what are called thermal or slow neutrons.

Water us used in the reactor as a neutron moderator. This means that the water slows down the more energetic, or fast, neutrons. The slower neutrons are more able to cause atoms to undergo fission. In other words, water is used to help control the reaction.

For the generation of electricity, the heat of the reaction boils water to produce steam to run the turbines. The turbines turn the generators.

About 60-65% of the heat of a typical nuclear power plant is waste energy. Water is used to cool the plant, and then it is put through heat exchangers to discharge the heat into the air or into some nearby lake, river, or ocean. The availability of water is a very important issue in siting a nuclear power plant, and is the reason almost all of them are placed near large bodies of water.

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Why are many hydro electric power plants in mountains?

Many hydroelectric power plants are located in mountainous regions due to the availability of high-altitude water sources, such as rivers and streams, which can create significant elevation differences. This elevation allows for greater gravitational potential energy, enabling efficient water flow and increased energy generation when water is released from reservoirs. Additionally, mountainous areas often have less urban development, making it easier to construct the necessary infrastructure for dams and power generation facilities.


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Discounting solar and wind generation. It depends on how you are generating electricity. For example, in your car, you are generating electricity as the engine turns which also turns a generator or alternator to recharge your battery. In a car with a water cooled engine, water cools the engine so it doesn't overheat. In some power generation water is heated to produce steam which in turn might turn a turbine to generate electricity. In other cases a hydroelectric system might use falling water to turn a turbine. In a nuclear power plant water can be used to cool the heat generated by the nuclear fission process.


Can distilled water can be used in boilers of nuclear power plant to obtain steam?

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