How Does Waste Heat from Nuclear Plants Affect River Temperatures?

In summary, a nuclear power plant on the Connecticut River produces 2.00x10^2 megawatts of power and releases 1.00x10^11 kJ/day of waste heat into the river. With an average flow rate of 9.00x10^4 kg/s, the maximum temperature increase in the river water caused by the plant's cooling system is unknown. If four additional nuclear power plants are built along the river, the total increase in temperature could potentially cause serious damage to the ecological structure of the river. The equation deltaTxmxC=Q is a start, but will need to be adjusted to account for the rate of energy transfer and mass transfer.
  • #1
chamrick
2
0

Homework Statement



A nuclear power plant on the Connecticut River produces 2.00x10^2 megawatts of power, but also releases 1.00x10^11 kJ/day of waste heat into the river. assume that the average rate of flow of the river is 9.00x10^4 kg/s. a. What is the maximum temperature increase in the river water that could be caused by the plants cooling system? b. The construction of four additional nuclear power plants along the river has been proposed. What is the total increase in the temperature of the river that could result if the plants are built? Could this change cause serious damage to the ecological structure of the river?

Homework Equations



Not a clue, this is where the help is needed. deltaTxmxC=Q

The Attempt at a Solution



Converted kJ to regular joules, used the equation for specific heat, but I know I'm missing steps in the process.
 
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  • #2
This is the only equation my teacher has provided me with, should i possibly be using a different equation.
 
  • #3
The equation you posted is a start, but you'll need to adjust it a bit since you don't have Q or m (kJ and kg) but a rate of energy transfer and a rate of mass transfer (kJ/day and kg/s)
 

Related to How Does Waste Heat from Nuclear Plants Affect River Temperatures?

1. What is thermodynamics and why is it important?

Thermodynamics is the branch of science that deals with the relationships between heat, energy, and work. It is important because it helps us understand and predict how energy can be converted from one form to another, and how it can be used to do work.

2. What is the first law of thermodynamics?

The first law of thermodynamics, also known as the law of conservation of energy, states that energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred or transformed from one form to another.

3. What is the second law of thermodynamics?

The second law of thermodynamics states that in any energy conversion, some energy will inevitably be lost as heat. This is why systems tend to move toward a state of disorder, or entropy, over time.

4. What is a watt and how is it related to thermodynamics?

A watt is a unit of power, which is the rate at which energy is transferred or converted. It is related to thermodynamics because it helps us measure and quantify the amount of energy being used or produced in a given system.

5. How is thermodynamics applied in real-world applications?

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