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Most nuclear fission reactors rely on slow neutrons to support the chain reaction, because uranium 235 has a much larger capture cross section for slow neutrons than for fast ones, and the reactor can therefore operate with low enrichment or even natural uranium. When neutrons are produced by fission they are fast, or energetic, and need to be slowed down by some material that does not absorb them too strongly. The best materials for this purpose are high purity graphite or heavy water, that is water with the hydrogen part of the molecule as the deuterium isotope. Reactors with these moderators can be made to work with natural uranium, that is not enriched, with the natural level of 0.7 percent U 235, whereas reactors with natural water moderators need enriched fuel, about 4 percent U235 is usual.

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Why are nuclear power plants rarely found in the desert?

Nuclear power plants require huge amounts of water for cooling, a resource not available in large quantities in most deserts. However, your question is not completely true as there are nuclear power plants in the desert. Palo Verde in Arizona is an example.


Why bare large amounts of water used in nuclear power plants?

Large amounts of water are used in nuclear power plants primarily to cool the reactor core and transfer heat away from the nuclear reactions. This water absorbs the heat generated by the reactions and helps maintain a safe operating temperature. Additionally, water is also used to generate steam that drives the turbines to produce electricity.


What type of nuclear power is used in powerplants?

Most nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate electricity. In nuclear fission, atomic nuclei are split, releasing large amounts of energy. This energy is then used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.


Why don't nuclear power plants need much fuel?

Nuclear power plants utilize a process called nuclear fission, where a small amount of uranium fuel generates a large amount of energy. This is because the energy released during fission is several million times greater than the energy released in chemical reactions, such as burning fossil fuels. As a result, nuclear power plants require relatively small quantities of fuel to produce large amounts of electricity.


Why do you need nuclear power plants?

Nuclear power plants are used to generate electricity by harnessing the heat produced from nuclear reactions. They provide a source of low-carbon energy that can help meet the growing demand for electricity without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, nuclear power is a reliable and consistent energy source that can operate continuously and produce large amounts of electricity.

Related Questions

Why are large amounts if water used in nuclear power plants?

to cool the heating rods and generate electricity


Why are nuclear power plants rarely found in the desert?

Nuclear power plants require huge amounts of water for cooling, a resource not available in large quantities in most deserts. However, your question is not completely true as there are nuclear power plants in the desert. Palo Verde in Arizona is an example.


Why bare large amounts of water used in nuclear power plants?

Large amounts of water are used in nuclear power plants primarily to cool the reactor core and transfer heat away from the nuclear reactions. This water absorbs the heat generated by the reactions and helps maintain a safe operating temperature. Additionally, water is also used to generate steam that drives the turbines to produce electricity.


What do nuclear fusion and fission have in common?

Nuclear fusion and fission are both processes that involve releasing energy from the nucleus of an atom. They can both produce large amounts of energy and are used in nuclear power plants.


What type of nuclear power is used in powerplants?

Most nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate electricity. In nuclear fission, atomic nuclei are split, releasing large amounts of energy. This energy is then used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.


Why don't nuclear power plants need much fuel?

Nuclear power plants utilize a process called nuclear fission, where a small amount of uranium fuel generates a large amount of energy. This is because the energy released during fission is several million times greater than the energy released in chemical reactions, such as burning fossil fuels. As a result, nuclear power plants require relatively small quantities of fuel to produce large amounts of electricity.


Why do you need nuclear power plants?

Nuclear power plants are used to generate electricity by harnessing the heat produced from nuclear reactions. They provide a source of low-carbon energy that can help meet the growing demand for electricity without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, nuclear power is a reliable and consistent energy source that can operate continuously and produce large amounts of electricity.


What element is used to make electricity and nuclear bombs?

Uranium is the element commonly used to generate electricity in nuclear power plants and as the primary material for nuclear bombs. It undergoes nuclear reactions such as fission to release large amounts of energy.


Why are the Benefits in nuclear power?

Nuclear power has benefits such as producing large amounts of electricity with low greenhouse gas emissions, providing a relatively reliable energy source, and having a long operational lifespan for power plants. Additionally, nuclear power can help reduce dependence on fossil fuels and contribute to energy security.


Why would a country choose to become nuclear free?

These are the 3 main reasons: 1) It will not have to worry of radiation exposure or failure of nuclear power plants. 2) It will not have to siphon off large amounts of money to Nuclear Development programs. 3) It will not be a Target.


Do nuclear reactions produce huge amounts of energy by transforming tiny amounts of matter?

Yes, nuclear reactions produce huge amounts of energy by converting a small amount of matter into energy according to Einstein's equation E=mc^2. This is the principle behind nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.


What is the splitting of a nucleus into smaller nuclei?

Nuclear fission is the process in which a nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, typically releasing large amounts of energy. This process is commonly used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity.