Question

Describe how the potential energy of uranium is converted into electrical energy in a nuclear power plant.

a) Potential energy from uranium undergoes fission, releasing heat energy used to generate electricity.
b) Uranium's kinetic energy is converted to electrical energy directly.
c) Uranium's nuclear energy heats water to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.
d) Uranium's chemical energy is directly converted to electrical energy in a nuclear power plant.

Answer 1

Nuclear power plants convert the potential energy of uranium into electrical energy through nuclear fission. Heat energy is used to produce steam, which drives turbines and generates electricity. Option C

Step-by-step explanation:

Nuclear power plants convert the potential energy of uranium into electrical energy through a process known as nuclear fission. This involves splitting the uranium-235 nucleus, which releases heat energy, high-energy neutrons, and other byproducts. The heat energy is then used to heat water and produce steam.

The high-pressure steam drives turbines, which are connected to generators that produce electricity. Therefore, option c) 'Uranium's nuclear energy heats water to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity' is the correct answer. Option C