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Every time a nucleus of U-235 or Pu-239 fissions, energy is released which initially results in the fission products (ie the atoms of the two lighter elements formed in the fission) being forced apart with high kinetic energy. As they are in a matrix of the fuel itself, this kinetic energy is soon turned into thermal energy as the fragments quickly slow down through friction. Thus the fuel gets hot and transfers heat to the flow of water or gas which is called the coolant, since it prevents the fuel becoming overheated.

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How does nuclear reactor works to produce electricity?

In a nuclear reactor, nuclear reactions create heat by splitting atoms or combining them. This heat is used to produce steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator. The generator then converts mechanical energy into electricity that can be distributed to power homes and businesses.


Can a nuclear reactor detonate the way a nuclear bomb can?

No, a nuclear reactor cannot detonate like a nuclear bomb. Nuclear reactors use controlled fission reactions to generate heat for electricity, while nuclear bombs use uncontrolled chain reactions to create an explosion. The design and purpose of a reactor prevent it from causing a nuclear explosion.


Where is heat from a nuclear reactor transferred to in the cooling system?

Heat from a nuclear reactor is transferred to the cooling system, where it is carried away by water or another coolant to prevent the reactor from overheating.


Name one type of nuclear reactor?

One type of nuclear reactor is the pressurized water reactor (PWR). In a PWR, the heat generated by nuclear fission in the reactor core is transferred to water, which circulates through the core to create steam that drives turbines to produce electricity.


What happens in a nuclear reactor to create electricity?

In a nuclear reactor, the controlled splitting of atoms (nuclear fission) generates heat, which is used to produce steam from water. The steam then drives turbines that are connected to generators, producing electricity. The process essentially harnesses the heat energy released during nuclear fission to produce electricity.

Related Questions

How does nuclear reactor works to produce electricity?

In a nuclear reactor, nuclear reactions create heat by splitting atoms or combining them. This heat is used to produce steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator. The generator then converts mechanical energy into electricity that can be distributed to power homes and businesses.


What is the function of a nuclear reactor of a nuclear plant?

simply, the nuclear reactor is the source of heat (or steam) for the nuclear power plant.


What does a nuclear reactor heat?

Water.


Can a nuclear reactor detonate the way a nuclear bomb can?

No, a nuclear reactor cannot detonate like a nuclear bomb. Nuclear reactors use controlled fission reactions to generate heat for electricity, while nuclear bombs use uncontrolled chain reactions to create an explosion. The design and purpose of a reactor prevent it from causing a nuclear explosion.


What is the difference between nuclear reactor and nuclearpower plant?

a nuclear reactor converts binding energy into heat. a nuclear power plant uses a nuclear reactor to generate electricity.


Where is heat from a nuclear reactor transferred to in the cooling system?

Heat from a nuclear reactor is transferred to the cooling system, where it is carried away by water or another coolant to prevent the reactor from overheating.


Which form of radiation is used to directly INCREASE the temperature of water in a nuclear reactor?

The form of radiation used to increase the temperature of water in a nuclear reactor is thermal radiation. This radiation is generated by the nuclear fission process occurring in the reactor core, which produces heat that is transferred to the water to create steam for electricity generation.


What is the purpose a nuclear reactor?

To produce heat.


How does a nuclear reactor eliminate heat?

Heat is eliminated through use of reactor coolant passing over the nuclear fuel in the primary coolant loops.


Name one type of nuclear reactor?

One type of nuclear reactor is the pressurized water reactor (PWR). In a PWR, the heat generated by nuclear fission in the reactor core is transferred to water, which circulates through the core to create steam that drives turbines to produce electricity.


What happens in a nuclear reactor to create electricity?

In a nuclear reactor, the controlled splitting of atoms (nuclear fission) generates heat, which is used to produce steam from water. The steam then drives turbines that are connected to generators, producing electricity. The process essentially harnesses the heat energy released during nuclear fission to produce electricity.


What substance is used in a nuclear reactor to absorb heat released from the reactor?

Coolant, such as water or a specific type of liquid metal, is used in a nuclear reactor to absorb the heat released during the nuclear fission process. The coolant carries away the heat and helps to regulate the temperature within the reactor to prevent overheating.