3.8 Nuclear PowerApril 12, 2023
What would the following decay into:
Uranium-238 via alpha decay
Thorium-234 via beta decay
Protactinium-234 via beta decay
Uranium-234 via alpha decay
Aims
• Explain fission of uranium and chain reaction
• H: how a chain reaction is controlled in a nuclear reactor
• Compare a nuclear power station with other thermal power stations
Remember…
Go to:
• www.mrrayner.wikispaces.com
• http://phet.colorado.edu/
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The nuclear reactor
• Fuel rods– Easily inserted and removed, lasts a few
months
• Control Rods– Absorb neutrons (Cd, B), insert them and
reaction is slowed
• Moderator– Slows down neutrons to increase fission
Complete the following sentences
• In a nuclear power station energy is released from changes in the ................................... of the atoms of the nuclear fuel
• In a fossil-fuel power station energy is released by ................................... the fossil fuel (e.g. coal).
• Fossil-fuel power stations release lots of carbon dioxide as a waste product. This gas contributes to ......................................................................
• Nuclear power stations produce .......................................... waste.