Question

How does a nuclear reactor produce electricity?

A. High-energy gamma rays are converted by a generator into electricity.
B. The heat from the reaction turns water to steam, which runs a generator.
C. The reaction produces a stream of electrons that flow through wires and into batteries.
D. The heat released from the reaction is used to burn coal or gas to produce electricity.
E. Control rods absorb the neutrons emitted and release a stream of electrons as electricity.

Answer 1

Correct Answer is Option (B)

Step-by-step explanation:

B. The heat from the reaction turns water to steam, which runs a generator.

Explanation

Here's what's going on within a typical nuclear power plant.

The fuel bundle undergoes fission to release heat.

A coolant such as molten salt flows across the reactor and transfers heat away from the fuel.

The coolant is then passed into a heat exchanger. Cold water goes through the heat exchanger to absorb the heat. The coolant cools down and is recycled. Water heats up and boils to produce steam.

The rest of this process resembles that of a coal power plant.

Steam from the heat exchanger goes through a turbine, which drives a generator.

Some water condenses and is recycled.

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Answer 2

B. The heat from the reaction turns water to steam, which runs a generator.

Explanation

Here's what's going on within a typical nuclear power plant.

• The fuel bundle undergoes fission to release heat.
• A coolant such as molten salt flows across the reactor and transfers heat away from the fuel.
• The coolant is then passed into a heat exchanger. Cold water goes through the heat exchanger to absorb the heat. The coolant cools down and is recycled. Water heats up and boils to produce steam.

The rest of this process resembles that of a coal power plant.

• Steam from the heat exchanger goes through a turbine, which drives a generator.
• Some water condenses and is recycled.

Reference

Wikipedia contributors. "Nuclear reactor coolant." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 13 Dec. 2018. Web. 27 Jan. 2019.