Nuclear Physics Flashcards
(65 cards)
1
Q
Q: What process creates heat in a nuclear reactor?
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2
Q
A: Nuclear fission of uranium atoms.
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3
Q
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4
Q
Q: What does the reactor core contain?
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5
Q
A: Nuclear fuel (low-enriched uranium)
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control systems
6
Q
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7
Q
Q: What is the cladding in a fuel rod?
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8
Q
A: A protective layer around the fuel pellet that prevents contact with the coolant.
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9
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10
Q
Q: What is the role of control rods?
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11
Q
A: They absorb neutrons to control the rate of fission.
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12
Q
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13
Q
Q: What happens when control rods are raised?
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14
Q
A: The nuclear reaction speeds up.
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15
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16
Q
Q: What happens when control rods are lowered?
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17
Q
A: The nuclear reaction slows down.
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18
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19
Q
Q: What is the coolant’s job in a nuclear reactor?
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20
Q
A: To transfer heat from the reactor core to the steam generator.
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21
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22
Q
Q: What substances can be used as coolant?
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23
Q
A: Water (most common)
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heavy water
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25
Q: What does the steam generator do?
26
A: Transfers heat from the first loop of coolant to the second loop
turning water into steam.
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Q: What does the turbine do in a nuclear power plant?
29
A: It spins when hit by steam and converts heat into mechanical energy.
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Q: What is the purpose of the generator?
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A: Converts mechanical energy from the turbine into electricity.
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Q: What do the pumps in a nuclear power plant do?
35
A: Move liquids through the 3 coolant loops.
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Q: Why is the condenser important?
38
A: It cools steam back into water for reuse in the second loop.
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Q: What is the role of cooling towers?
41
A: Release excess heat (as clean water vapor) from the third coolant loop.
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43
Q: What is the containment structure?
44
A: A dome-shaped
steel-reinforced concrete barrier that contains radiation.
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Q: Why didn’t Chernobyl have proper containment?
47
A: The reactor design lacked a containment structure.
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Q: What caused the Chernobyl disaster?
50
A: A flawed safety test led to a chemical explosion
releasing radioactive material.
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Q: Was the Chernobyl explosion nuclear or chemical?
53
A: Chemical — caused by a hydrogen gas explosion.
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55
Q: Is the following statement true? "A nuclear power plant turns water into steam which turns a turbine to turn a generator to make electricity."
56
A: Yes
this statement is completely true.
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58
Q: Is nuclear power safer than fossil fuels?
59
A: Yes
statistically nuclear power is safer.
60
61
Q: Can stable elements undergo radioactive decay?
62
A: No
only unstable (radioactive) elements can.
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64
Q: Is the amount of nuclear fuel used large or small?
65
A: Very small compared to fossil fuels like coal.
