Question

What happens to the heat that is produced from fission reactions that occur in nuclear power plants?

a. It is used to turn water into steam.
b. It is used to heat local buildings.
c. It is a waste product and is not used.
d. It is used to power nuclear fusion reactions.

Answer 1

Answer;

A. It is used to turn water into steam.

Explanation;

• Nuclear fission reactions are reactions in which atoms split apart to form smaller atoms releasing energy. In nuclear power stations, nuclear fission reactions occur producing heat energy which is used to heat water and produce steam.

• The steam is used to spin large turbines that generate electricity. Therefore, nuclear power plants use heat produced during nuclear fission reactions to heat water, and the steam generated is used to spin turbines which in turn generate electrical energy through a generator.