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A nuclear reactor is a device in which nuclear chain reactions are initiated, controlled, and sustained at a steady rate.

The heated water rises up and passes through another part of the reactor, the heat exchanger. The moderator/coolant water is radioactive, so it can not leave the inner reactor containment. Its heat must be transferred to non-radioactive water, which can then be sent out of the reactor shielding. This is done through the heat exchanger, which works by moving the radioactive water through a series of pipes that are wrapped around other pipes. The metallic pipes conduct the heat from the moderator to the normal water. Then, the normal water (now in steam form and intensely hot) moves to the turbine, where electricity is produced.

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What is the difference between the sun's energy and a nuclear power plant?

The sun's energy comes from nuclear fusion reactions in its core, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing huge amounts of energy. In contrast, nuclear power plants generate energy through nuclear fission reactions, where uranium atoms split to release energy. The sun's energy is natural and sustainable, while nuclear power plants use controlled reactions in a controlled environment.


Is nuclear power explosive?

Nuclear power plants use controlled nuclear reactions to generate electricity and are not explosive in the same way as nuclear weapons or chemical explosives. While accidents at nuclear power plants can release harmful radiation, the likelihood of a nuclear explosion is extremely low due to safety measures in place.


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

Nuclear power plants use nuclear energy as their source of power. They harness the energy released from nuclear reactions (such as fission) to generate electricity. The heat produced by these reactions is used to create steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.


What is a energy source produced from atomic reactions reactions such as oil?

Nuclear energy is produced from atomic reactions in nuclear power plants, which do not involve the use of oil. Oil is used to produce energy through combustion in power plants or vehicles, but it is not classified as a form of nuclear energy.


What is the difference between cold fusion and what nuclear power plants do to create energy?

Cold fusion is a theoretical nuclear reaction that supposedly occurs at room temperature, while nuclear power plants use controlled nuclear fission reactions to generate heat and produce electricity. Cold fusion has not been reliably demonstrated, while nuclear power plants worldwide successfully use fission to generate a significant portion of electricity.

Related Questions

Can Nuclear fission be controlled?

Yes. Nuclear power plants and nuclear powered ships and submarines use controlled fission reactions.


What is the difference between the sun's energy and a nuclear power plant?

The sun's energy comes from nuclear fusion reactions in its core, where hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing huge amounts of energy. In contrast, nuclear power plants generate energy through nuclear fission reactions, where uranium atoms split to release energy. The sun's energy is natural and sustainable, while nuclear power plants use controlled reactions in a controlled environment.


How are nuclear chain reaction to controlled in nuclear power plants?

Nuclear chain reactions in nuclear power plants are controlled by inserting control rods made of materials like boron or cadmium into the reactor core. These control rods absorb neutrons, reducing the number available to sustain the chain reaction. By adjusting the position of the control rods, operators can regulate the reactor's power output.


Is nuclear power explosive?

Nuclear power plants use controlled nuclear reactions to generate electricity and are not explosive in the same way as nuclear weapons or chemical explosives. While accidents at nuclear power plants can release harmful radiation, the likelihood of a nuclear explosion is extremely low due to safety measures in place.


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

Nuclear power plants use nuclear energy as their source of power. They harness the energy released from nuclear reactions (such as fission) to generate electricity. The heat produced by these reactions is used to create steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.


Where does the energy from nuclear reactions come from?

Damaged Power Plants


Does nuclear power plants uses nuclear fusion?

No, they rely on fission. Controlled fusion is the holy grail of nuclear power.


What is a energy source produced from atomic reactions reactions such as oil?

Nuclear energy is produced from atomic reactions in nuclear power plants, which do not involve the use of oil. Oil is used to produce energy through combustion in power plants or vehicles, but it is not classified as a form of nuclear energy.


What is the difference between cold fusion and what nuclear power plants do to create energy?

Cold fusion is a theoretical nuclear reaction that supposedly occurs at room temperature, while nuclear power plants use controlled nuclear fission reactions to generate heat and produce electricity. Cold fusion has not been reliably demonstrated, while nuclear power plants worldwide successfully use fission to generate a significant portion of electricity.


When fission is not controlled how is it used?

Reactions that involve nuclei, called nuclear reactions, result in a tremendous amount of energy. Two types are fission and fusion.


Who provides nuclear energy?

Nuclear energy is typically provided by government-controlled entities or private companies that own and operate nuclear power plants. These entities produce electricity by using nuclear reactions to generate heat, which then drives turbines connected to generators. Examples include companies like Exelon, EDF, and Tokyo Electric Power Company.


How is the sun affected by nuclear powers from earth?

The sun is not affected by the nuclear power generated on Earth. The nuclear reactions that power the sun are happening in its core, while nuclear power plants on Earth use fission reactions that do not have the ability to impact the sun's nuclear fusion process.