answersLogoWhite

0

Atoms that are large,radioactive and contain extra neutrons are known as unstable isotopes. Uranium 235 and Plutonium are two souces of nuclear fuel. If these large nucleii are hit by a neutron travelling at a certain speed they are likely to split into two smaller atoms along with release of heat energy and two or more new neutrons. If this process is allowed to continue unchecked in a quantity of the element larger than the critical mass it explodes violently.

If the reaction is controlled by mopping up neutrons with a moderator it can be controlled and to continue at a set level maintained in a nuclear reactor. The heat of the chain reaction is removed by passing a coolant through the reactor core and this heats water to steam to drive electrical turbines generating electricity. The nuclear material eventually becomes spent and has to be replaced. It is this spent fuel, still highly radioactive, that is the main problem with nuclear power. Also decommissioning of an old nuclear reactor can be as expensive as the cost of all the electricity generated during it's lifetime.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Physics

What is nuclear energy used to make?

Nuclear energy is primarily used to generate electricity. Through nuclear fission, heat is produced which is used to create steam that drives turbines to produce electricity. Additionally, nuclear energy is also used in some countries for desalination of water and in medical treatments like cancer therapy.


What is nuclear energy i don't understand?

Nuclear energy is electricity generated through the process of nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom is split to release energy. This energy is then captured and used to produce electricity in nuclear power plants. It is a low-carbon energy source but comes with concerns about safety and nuclear waste management.


What other names are there for nuclear energy?

Other names for nuclear energy include atomic energy, nuclear power, and atomic power.


What is an example of converting Nuclear energy to electromagnetic energy in an energy transformation?

In a nuclear reactor, nuclear energy is converted to thermal energy. The thermal energy is used to heat water to make steam which can be used to spin turbines. The turbines spin electrical generators. A lot of electric power comes from nuclear power plants.


Is fission nuclear energy chemical energy or mechanical energy?

Nuclear fission is a type of nuclear reaction that converts nuclear energy into thermal energy (heat), which can then be used to generate mechanical energy (such as electricity). So, fission nuclear energy originates as nuclear energy and can be converted into mechanical energy.

Related Questions

How does nuclear energy help with robots?

No, nuclear energy is only used to make electricity


What can be used by nuclear energy?

Uranium is used to make energy by fission


What is nuclear energy mostly used for?

To make deadly Nuclear bomb


What type of energy is a nuclear power plant used to make?

Electrical energy


Is magnesium used for nuclear energy?

Magnesium is not used in the nuclear energy.


Does uranium producing heat to make steam show the conversion of chemical energy to heat energy?

No; the energy used from uranium is usually nuclearenergy, not chemical energy.No; the energy used from uranium is usually nuclear energy, not chemical energy.No; the energy used from uranium is usually nuclear energy, not chemical energy.No; the energy used from uranium is usually nuclear energy, not chemical energy.


Does nuclear energy make energy?

No, it is energy.


What is positive about uranium?

It is used to make nuclear energy, which provides the world with electricity.


The energy in uranium is used to make electricity in a nuclear power plant. How is the energy stored in uranium?

in the nucleus


What is nuclear energy used to make?

Nuclear energy is primarily used to generate electricity. Through nuclear fission, heat is produced which is used to create steam that drives turbines to produce electricity. Additionally, nuclear energy is also used in some countries for desalination of water and in medical treatments like cancer therapy.


What type of technology is used to provide energy make bombs and treats cancer?

You think to applications of nuclear physics.


What is nuclear energy i don't understand?

Nuclear energy is electricity generated through the process of nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom is split to release energy. This energy is then captured and used to produce electricity in nuclear power plants. It is a low-carbon energy source but comes with concerns about safety and nuclear waste management.