3.8 Nuclear PowerApril 12, 2023

What would the following decay into:

Uranium-238 via alpha decay

Thorium-234 via beta decay

Protactinium-234 via beta decay

Uranium-234 via alpha decay

Aims

• Explain fission of uranium and chain reaction

• H: how a chain reaction is controlled in a nuclear reactor

• Compare a nuclear power station with other thermal power stations

Remember…

Go to:

• www.mrrayner.wikispaces.com

• http://phet.colorado.edu/

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The nuclear reactor

• Fuel rods– Easily inserted and removed, lasts a few

months

• Control Rods– Absorb neutrons (Cd, B), insert them and

reaction is slowed

• Moderator– Slows down neutrons to increase fission

Complete the following sentences

• In a nuclear power station energy is released from changes in the ................................... of the atoms of the nuclear fuel

• In a fossil-fuel power station energy is released by ................................... the fossil fuel (e.g. coal).

• Fossil-fuel power stations release lots of carbon dioxide as a waste product. This gas contributes to ......................................................................

• Nuclear power stations produce .......................................... waste.