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Understandings, Guidance and Skills:
Understandings, Guidance and Skills:
Discussing safety issues and risks associated with the production of nuclear power
The description of the basic features of nuclear power stations must include the use of control rods, moderators and heat exchangers
Nuclear Reactor Simulation (Java Script)
General Resources:
General Resources:
Kognity Textbook: Chapter 8 (Use your ACS Login)
IB Physics Site: Topic 8 - Comprehensive notes
IB Physics Site: Topic 8 - More notes
Topic 8 Flashcards - Vocab Devo.
Using the simulation below, outline the role the control rods play in controlling a nuclear reaction.
Join the Discussion:
Join the Discussion:
Possible non-quantitive questions:
Possible non-quantitive questions:
Nuclear Safety
Nuclear Safety
In addition to the U-235, the nuclear reactor contains graphite that acts as a moderator. Explain the function of the moderator. [3]
Outline how energy released in the nuclear reactor is transformed to electrical energy. [3]
A nuclear power station uses uranium-235 (U-235) as fuel. Outline the
(i) processes and energy changes that occur through which thermal energy is produced. [3]
(ii) role of the heat exchanger of the reactor and the turbine in the generation of electrical energy. [4]
Fukushima Daiichi Powerplant
Heat Exchangers Role in Nuclear Facilities
Heat Exchangers Role in Nuclear Facilities
Designing the optimal heat exchanger for a given application (with particular specifications and requirements as indicated above) involves determining the temperature change of the fluids, the heat transfer coefficient, and the construction of the heat exchanger and relating them to the rate of heat transfer.
Typical nuclear power plants contain two closed loop systems to transfer heat to the generator and one open loop system to release excess heat.
Loop 1: Reactor - Heat Exchanger
Closed loop to prevent spread of contaminated water.
Thermal energy from the Uranium reactions is transferred to high pressure water. The water is maintained at a high pressure to prevent it from boiling. The temperature of the water ranges from 275˚C to 325˚C.
Loop 2: Heat Exchanger - Steam Turbine - Condenser
Closed loop of high pressure steam used to turn a turbine to generate electricity.
This process is the same for most electricity generating plants.
Loop 3: Condenser - Environment
Open loop system designed to transfer excess heat (no longer economically viable) to the environment.
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