2006-08-19 02:55:09 · 7 answers · asked by jay 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
To put it simply source neutrons from decay are thermalized in a moderator(usually water which doubles as the coolant) and then absorbed by uranium which then splits(fissions) and releases about 3 more nuetrons that are then thermalized and absorbed again thus a sustained reaction. Some of these nuetrons escape keeping the neutron population constant. This is called critical. Lowering power is subcritical and raising power is supercritical. The coolant is heated as neutrons are thermalized in it. This coolant is used to make steam in a lower pressure system which is used to turn turbines. These turbines turn a generator thus producing electricity. This steam is condensed and the water used again to make more steam.
2006-08-19 05:40:48 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A nuclear reactor is basically a big steam engine. It uses water that is superheated to generate steam. Water expands greatly as it turns into steam, which creates pressure. This pressure is harnessed by a generator to create electricity.
The nuclear side comes in when heat from the nuclear reaction is applied to the water. The nuclear rods are brought to a critical reaction (not a super-critical reaction, as in a nuclear explosion). A critical reaction just means it is self sustaining. This generates heat as well as radiation. The radiation can be contained effectively by using shielding (such as water or lead), and the heat is applied to water to generate steam.
2006-08-19 03:06:19 · answer #2 · answered by Christopher B 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A nuclear reactor is a designed system to produce radiation power using Uranium atoms and Neutrons interaction.The process is called Fission.
2006-08-19 03:09:27 · answer #3 · answered by goring 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A nuclear reactor is a device in which nuclear chain reactions are initiated, controlled, and sustained at a steady rate (as opposed to a nuclear bomb, in which the chain reaction occurs in a fraction of a second and is completely uncontrolled).
2006-08-19 03:11:40 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is a power plant that generates electricity through the use of nuclear fuel as a heating source.
2006-08-19 03:00:47 · answer #5 · answered by damndirtyape212 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Briefly, it goes "kaboom" when it's broken. Less briefly, uranium nuclei fission when struck by free neutrons. Since uranium nuclei emit free neutrons during normal decay, a sufficient quantity will cause enough nuclei to fission to create heat to drive a turbine to produce electricity. Too many free neutrons, and you have a bomb. That's when "kaboom" happens.
2006-08-19 03:01:54 · answer #6 · answered by stevewbcanada 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its the noise Rosey O'Donnel makes when she finds out there are no more donuts!
2006-08-19 03:00:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋