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In a nutshell, a typical controlled nuclear reaction involves an equilibrium between the rate of splitting Uranium-235 atoms and the production of neutrons from those splits. The neutron is what causes the atom to split. The splitting generates between 1 and 2.5 (on average) neutrons, with some sources saying up to 3.5 neutrons. What you want, on the large scale, is a one-to-one ratio - one split yields one neutron which yields one split. This is what we call KEffective = 1.
Each of those splits produces about 200 MeV of energy due to the loss of binding energy (Strong Atomic Force), which is translated from the calculated loss of mass of about one fifth of a proton. This does not seem like much but, on the large scale, it adds up quickly. That energy is manifest in various forms, most usually, heat, which is carried away to generate steam to turn turbines that turn generators.
We manage that "magic" KEffective with moderators and control rods. The control rods provide gross control, primarily startup and shutdown, and tuning at lower powers, while the moderator, usually water, provides fine control, at higher powers. What happens is that the water has a negative reactivity coefficient, which means that, as it gets hotter, reactivity (KEffective) decreases, and vice versa. This makes the reaction self modulating.
In this scheme, what we call a light water moderated fission reaction, loss of that water, say from a depressurization incident that flashes all of the water to steam, results in instant subcriticality, and the reactor shuts down. Of course, that water must be replaced after the control rods are inserted, otherwise decay heat can cause fuel damage, as we unfortunately are experiencing with the Fukushima Daiichi facility in Japan.
What else can I help you with?
Where does nuclear fusion take place in the sun?
Nuclear fusion takes place in the core of the sun.
Where do nuclear fission reactions often take place, and what are the key factors that contribute to their occurrence in that location?
Nuclear fission reactions often take place in nuclear reactors. The key factors that contribute to their occurrence in that location include the presence of fissile materials such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, control rods to regulate the reaction, and a moderator to slow down the neutrons.
What part of the nuclear powerplant does the chain reaction occur?
The chain reaction in a nuclear power plant occurs in the reactor core, where nuclear fission reactions take place. Heat generated from these reactions is used to produce steam, which then drives turbines to generate electricity.
What is nuclear power plant decommissioning?
It is safely disposing of the bits of a burned out power station. (As nuclear fission gives off neutrons, anything near a nuclear fission reaction itself becomes radioactive over time, so it is a big job to take down a power station safely)
When did the fukushima event take place?
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster took place on March 11, 2011, in Okuma, Fukushima, Japan.
What country did the Chernobyl nuclear accident take place?
Russia, the nuclear plant was in the place called chernobyl :)
Where did light and dark reaction of plant take place?
in the chlorophyll
What kind of temperatures are requires for a nuclear fusion reaction to take place?
10,000,000 and up.
Where did the worst Nuclear plant meltdown take place?
The worst nuclear accident occurred on 26 April 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in the Ukraine (under the management of authorities in Moscow).
Where did the world's worst nuclear power plant disaster take place?
Chernobyl, Ukraine, 1986
Do chain reaction takes place in nuclear reactor?
Yes, chain reactions take place in nuclear reactors. In a nuclear reactor, the chain reaction involves the splitting of uranium atoms (fission) which releases energy and more neutrons, leading to further fission reactions. Control rods are used to regulate and maintain the chain reaction at a steady rate.
In which part of a plant cell does the light reaction take place?
The light reactions of photosynthesis take place in the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplasts in plant cells. This is where light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.
How long does it take for puriclean to work?
nuclear fusion reaction
How does the sun produce enagy?
The energy produced in the sun is liberated in the form of heat and light. The reaction going on in the sun is known as Nuclear Fusion and Nuclear Fission. Both processes take place simultaneously.
Where does nuclear fusion take place in the sun?
Nuclear fusion takes place in the core of the sun.
What is the place where controlled nuclear fission reactions take place?
The place where controlled nuclear fission reactions take place is called a nuclear reactor. In a nuclear reactor, uranium atoms are split in a controlled manner to produce heat energy, which is used to generate electricity.
WHAT ZONE IN THE SUN IS WHERE the thermonuclear reaction take place?
Most nuclear fusion happens close to the Sun's center, or core. That's where the temperature and pressure are greatest.
