EPRI - Reactor Theory| Engineering Systems Training| 77 QUESTIONS| WITH COMPLETE SOLUTIONS

Fission correct answer: A neutron interaction in which a nucleus absorbs a neutron, splits into two new nuclei and releases a large amount of energy; the resulting fission fragments emit neutrons and gamma rays and then undergo radioactive decay Turbines correct answer: A device with rotating blades that are connected to a shaft and turned by having a fluid do work on the blades; in a nuclear power plant, steam turbines are rotated by expanding steam Describe how a nuclear power plant generates electricity correct answer: Nuclear fission creates heat, which generate steams. The steam rotates the turbines, which turn the generator to produce electricity. Nucleus correct answer: The center of an atom containing 99.9% of its mass and comprised of neutrons and protons held together in a very small volume by nuclear force Moderator correct answer: The medium used to slow down fast neutrons Coolant correct answer: The medium used to remove heat from the reactor core; the coolant keeps the reactor from overheating Light Water Reactors correct answer: A nuclear reactor that uses H2O, or "light water," as the moderator and coolant Control Rods correct answer: A rod made up of a substance that controls the neutron population inside a reactor; control rods are used to control the reactor power and also to provide a mechanism for rapid shutdown of the reactor, if necessary Reactor Core correct answer: The part of a nuclear reactor where the heat is generated; it includes the fuel, cladding, fuel assemblies, moderator/coolant and control rods Pressurized Water Reactor correct answer: A nuclear reactor system that pressurizes the coolant water to a high enough pressure to prevent boiling in the core; the heated water leaves the core and flows through a steam generator where steam is produced and used to drive turbines Boiling Water Reactor correct answer: A nuclear reactor in which water is allowed to boil directly inside the reactor, thus creating steam; the steam is dried and used to drive turbines Radiation correct answer: Sub-atomic particles and energy emitted by unstable isotopes to become stable Heat Exchanger correct answer: A device