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How does the radioactive material (usually uranium) in a power plant cause water to become steam? Along with uranium and water, what other component is required for nuclear power to be safely harnessed?

A) Control rods
B) Turbine
C) Cooling tower
D) Generator

User Monksp
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Final answer:

The radioactive material, usually uranium, in a power plant creates steam by heating water through fission reactions. The steam is then used to turn a turbine, which generates electricity. The other component required for nuclear power to be harnessed safely is the turbine.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a nuclear power plant, the radioactive material, usually uranium, undergoes fission reactions, which release a large amount of heat energy. This heat energy is used to heat water, which is kept under high pressure to prevent it from boiling. The heated water is then passed through tubes in a steam generator, where it transfers its heat to water flowing around the tubes, causing it to boil and turn into steam.

The steam is then piped to a turbine, where its expansion and force drives the turbine to spin. The spinning turbine is connected to a generator, which converts the mechanical energy of the turbine into electrical energy, thus generating electricity.

Therefore, the correct answer is B) Turbine, as it is essential for the conversion of steam energy into mechanical energy that drives the generator to produce electricity.

User Xpioneer
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