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Electricity is generated in a nuclear power station - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Question 3
Electricity is generated in a nuclear power station. The diagram shows the first stages in this process. (a) The thermal energy released in the reactor is used to p... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Electricity is generated in a nuclear power station - Edexcel - GCSE Physics - Question 3 - 2018 - Paper 1
Step 1
Describe how the steam is used to generate electricity.
Answer
In a nuclear power station, the thermal energy produced in the reactor is used to heat water in the boiler, converting it into steam. This steam drives a turbine, which is connected to a generator. The rotational energy from the turbine is transferred to the generator, thereby converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.
Step 2
Describe how the fission of a uranium-235 nucleus can start off a chain reaction.
Answer
The fission process begins when a neutron collides with a uranium-235 nucleus. This collision causes the nucleus to become unstable, leading it to split into two smaller nuclei, releasing additional neutrons in the process. At least one of these released neutrons can collide with another uranium nucleus, causing it to split as well. This process can repeat, resulting in a chain reaction as more neutrons are produced and absorbed by other uranium nuclei.