Question

Describe the proce of nuclear fission Explain process involved in generating electricity in nuclear powerplant

Answer 1

The reaction in which a heavy nucleus splits into two or more smaller nuclei, with the evolution of large amount of energy when it is bombarded with slow moving neutron is called nuclear fission. The steps involved in generating electricity in a nuclear reactor are:
(i) The controlled fission of uranium-235 in the nuclear reactor produces a lot of heat energy.
(ii) Liquid sodium or C02 gas is pumped continuously through the pipes embedded in reactor. Sodium absorbs the heat energy produced in reactor.
(iii) The hot sodium is then passed into the coil of heat exchanger containing water. The water absorbs heat from hot sodium and gets converted into steam.
(iv) This steam at high pressure is used to rotate the turbine. The shaft of the turbine is connected to the electric generator. When turbine rotates, its shaft also rotates and drives the generator. The generator thus, produces the electricity.