Unit 3 - Nuclear Chemistry - Honors Addendum

Question 1

What is the core of the nuclear reactor? (2)

Answer 1

1. Fuel Rods filled with U - 235
2. Maintains nuclear fission chain reaction

Question 3

How is the nuclear reaction in the nuclear reactor controlled? (3)

Answer 3

1. Control rods made of boron & cadmium
2. Is lowered in the reactor
3. Slow rxn by ABSORBING excess neutrons

Question 4

How is the thermal energy converted to electricity? (4)

Answer 4

1. Energy heats the coolant (water)
2. Turned into steam (Steam generator
3. Turns a turbine, spinning the generator
4. Produces electricity

Question 5

How is steam recycled? (3)

Answer 5

1. Condensed into water
2. By a condenser
3. To turn to steam by heat from rxn

Question 6

What stimulates the nuclear fission reaction within the fission reactor? (4)

Answer 6

1. Neutrons collide with U - 235 in fuel rods
2. Now U - 236, splitting into smaller nuclei
3. Nuclei releases lots of E in form of heat
4. Neutrons are released & start chain rxn

Question 7

What is also produced from the neutron collision of U - 238 other than neutrons and energy? (2)

Answer 7

1. Plutonium 239
2. Also fissionable, creates 1/3 of reactor’s E

Question 8

Definition of Moderator (3)

Answer 8

1. SLOWS neutrons down
2. So they can get absorbed by U - 235
3. Heavy water is commonly used, graphite sometimes