All Flashcards
What are the key steps in nuclear fission for electricity generation?
Neutron strikes U-235, atom splits, energy released, water boils, steam turns turbines, electricity generated.
Describe the process of controlling a nuclear chain reaction.
Control rods absorb excess neutrons, slowing or stopping the fission reaction.
What are the steps of nuclear fission in a power plant?
Neutron hits U-235, atom splits, heat is released, water boils, steam turns turbine, electricity is generated.
What is the process for handling nuclear waste?
Spent fuel is cooled, stored on-site (pools or dry casks), awaiting permanent disposal (geological repository).
Why is uranium considered a non-renewable resource?
Uranium is a finite resource; its supply is limited.
What is the purpose of a nuclear reactor?
To initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction.
Explain the concept of a chain reaction in nuclear fission.
Neutrons released from one fission event trigger more fission events, creating a self-sustaining reaction.
What is the role of water in a nuclear power plant?
Water is heated by nuclear fission, creating steam to turn turbines and generate electricity.
Why is nuclear fusion not widely used?
Requires extremely high temperatures and pressures, difficult to achieve and maintain.
Describe the energy transformation in a nuclear power plant.
Nuclear energy converts to thermal energy, then mechanical energy, and finally electrical energy.
What is the significance of half-life in the context of radioactive waste?
It determines how long radioactive waste remains dangerous, impacting storage needs.