Science A Physics – P1 Science A Physics – P1 Topic 1 : Electricity Generation - 1 Topic 1 : Electricity Generation - 1

The steam must be cooled and condensed before it can be returned to the boiler to be made into steam once again. The cooling towers at Drax Power Station, Yorkshire are massive structures which play a crucial role in the production of electricity. Function of the Cooling Towers

The Heat Exchanger The steam is cooled by a heat exchanger into which flows cool water from the cooling towers. The heat exchanger keeps the cooling tower water separate from the water supplied to the boiler which must be kept pure.

In nuclear power stations, a nuclear reaction produces heat, which makes steam, which drives turbines that generate electricity. Existing supplies of radioactive fuel are readily available and relatively easy to use, but radioactive waste is difficult to dispose of. A release of radiation, either accidental or through terrorist attack, presents a threat. Nuclear Power Stations

How a Nuclear Reactor Works The nuclear reaction depends upon a neutron colliding with an atom of uranium. The collision splits the uranium atom (fission reaction) into two further atoms, barium and krypton. At the same time, two or three neutrons are released.

How a Nuclear Reactor Works The nuclear reaction depends upon a neutron colliding with an atom of uranium. The collision splits the uranium atom (fission reaction) into two further atoms, barium and krypton. At the same time, two or three neutrons are released.

How a Nuclear Reactor Works Each of the neutrons can collide with another uranium 235 atom causing further fission. However, control rods absorb some of the neutrons which prevents them from taking part in any further collisions. This produces a controlled chain reaction. Press ‘Start’ to show the nuclear reaction inside the reactor...

Each of the neutrons can collide with another uranium 235 atom causing further fission. However, control rods absorb some of the neutrons which prevents them from taking part in any further collisions. This produces a controlled chain reaction. Press ‘Start’ to show the nuclear reaction inside the reactor... How a Nuclear Reactor Works

How a Nuclear Power Station Works All nuclear reactors have some kind of control mechanism. Control rods are usually made of carbon, boron or silver. Move the cursor over the diagram to find out more...

Lift the boron control rods to alter the rate of reaction... Controlling the Nuclear Reactor

Chernobyl Disaster 25 Years On 26 th April 2011 n 1986 reactor number 4 at Chernobyl exploded. The explosion released 100 times more radiation than the Hiroshima bomb. An estimated 9,000 to 93,000 people are expected to die due to the disaster. A 19 mile exclusion area will exist for thousands of years around the destroyed reactor. Large areas of Europe were affected by radiation. Some farms in the UK still face restrictions due to Chernobyl. I Should we develop nuclear power?

Nuclear Power Move your cursor over the students to display their views on nuclear power.

Public Relations (PR) Power stations often have open days as they strive to develop a positive image with the public. It is difficult to have a well informed opinion on any form of power plant if you have not visited one…

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is the process by which nuclei of lighter elements join together to form a heavier nucleus. The energy released from the Sun and other stars is due to nuclear fusion.

Fusion reactors carry out the fusion of hydrogen isotopes (Deuterium and Tritium). Nuclear Fusion Fusion reactors have the potential to release huge amounts of energy. However so far, more energy has to be put into the reactor to produce and contain the high temperatures, than is released by the reaction. Deuterium + Tritium  Helium + Energy + Neutrons