Nuclear Power Explained: Harnessing Neutrons for Energy

In summary, nuclear power is a method of harnessing the energy released by splitting atoms through a process called nuclear fission. This process generates heat, which is then used to produce steam and power turbines, ultimately generating electricity. The key to this process is controlling the neutrons released during fission, which can be achieved through the use of materials such as uranium and plutonium. While nuclear power has the potential to provide large amounts of energy with minimal carbon emissions, it also comes with significant safety and environmental concerns.
  • #1
the_Shadow_13
1
0
Hi, I was wondering if anyone could give me a simple description on what nuclear power is. I.e. how the neutrons from UO2/U/PuO2 are harnessed for power?

Also, if anyone knows any useful links for information on nuclear power, different types of ractors etc, then it will be very useful :smile:
 
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  • #2
Are you familiar with Google? Just type it in and away you go! I will give you www.nrc.gov[/url] and [url]www.aecl.ca[/URL] as sources (since they are credible), but you should do the research on your own since that's how you learn. You can also go to a library to look up this stuff in [B]books[/B]. I'm assuming this is schoolwork?
See if that helps get you started.
 
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  • #4
the_Shadow_13 said:
Hi, I was wondering if anyone could give me a simple description on what nuclear power is. I.e. how the neutrons from UO2/U/PuO2 are harnessed for power?
Most nuclear power plants use the heat generated by the reactor to boil a liquid to run a turbine.
 
  • #5
I have a deeper question. The model for a sustainable nuclear reaction does not require knowledge of the quark interactions during this process. I would like to look into the quark model for a nuclear reactor. Can anyone point me in a good direction without requiring to learn how to calculate color charge interactions?
 
  • #6
I would like to point to the nuclear engineering forum we also have on PF. Nuclear reactors and related physics is its main subject.

As to using quantum chromodynamics (the theory of quarks and color) to do low-energy nuclear physics, good luck :biggrin:

No, seriously, experiment is much and much more in advance over ab initio modelling. And even phenomenological modelling in nuclear physics is experiment-driven (and not much more than curve fitting).
 
  • #7
David Burke said:
I have a deeper question. The model for a sustainable nuclear reaction does not require knowledge of the quark interactions during this process. I would like to look into the quark model for a nuclear reactor. Can anyone point me in a good direction without requiring to learn how to calculate color charge interactions?
The generation of nuclear energy does not involve quarks. The fission process is based on the binding energy of the collection of nucleons we call a nucleus, specifically fissile nuclei such as U-235, Pu-239 (and 241), U-233, and other heavier transuranics.

A quark model will not help understand or simulate a nuclear reactor. An appropriate core simulator and cross-section (or lattice) physics code will.

Meir Achuz said it in a nutshell. Nuclear energy transforms to thermal energy (heat = kinetic energy of atoms) which is tranported by a working fluid (coolant) either directly or indirectly (through another working fluid) to a turbine where it is transformed into mechanical energy, which drives a generator, which transforms the mechanical energy into electrical energy via a time varying magnetic field.

Berkeman gave a decent recommendation

and i'd add - http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/nucene/fission.html

http://www.world-nuclear.org/how/fuelcycle.html

http://www.world-nuclear.org/how/npreactors.html
 
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  • #8
"I have a deeper question. The model for a sustainable nuclear reaction does not require knowledge of the quark interactions during this process. I would like to look into the quark model for a nuclear reactor. Can anyone point me in a good direction without requiring to learn how to calculate color charge interactions?"
The only unsolved problems for fission reactors are plumbing, Murphy's law, and waste disposal and monitoring.
 

1. What is nuclear power?

Nuclear power is a type of energy produced through the process of nuclear fission, where the nucleus of an atom is split into smaller parts, releasing a large amount of energy. This energy is harnessed to generate electricity.

2. How does nuclear power work?

Nuclear power plants use uranium, a radioactive element, as fuel. When the atoms of uranium are split, they release heat and radiation. This heat is used to create steam, which turns turbines and generates electricity.

3. Is nuclear power safe?

Nuclear power plants are designed with multiple safety measures in place to prevent accidents and protect the environment. However, like any other form of energy production, there are risks involved. It is important for plants to be properly regulated and maintained to ensure safety.

4. What are the advantages of nuclear power?

Nuclear power is a reliable source of energy, as it does not rely on weather conditions like wind or sunlight. It also produces large amounts of energy with minimal carbon emissions, making it a cleaner option compared to fossil fuels.

5. Are there any disadvantages to nuclear power?

One of the main disadvantages of nuclear power is the production of radioactive waste, which can remain hazardous for thousands of years. There is also the risk of accidents and the potential for nuclear weapons proliferation. Additionally, the cost of building and maintaining nuclear power plants can be quite high.

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