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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
The steam produced in the reactor drives the turbine, which is connected to a generator. As the steam flows through the turbine, it causes the blades to rotate. This rotational movement transfers energy to the generator, converting thermal energy into electrical energy. The generator then generates electricity that can be supplied to the power grid.
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, causing it to split. This splitting releases energy and additional neutrons. At least one of these newly released neutrons will collide with another uranium-235 nucleus, causing it to undergo fission as well. This process repeats, leading to a chain reaction as more and more neutrons are absorbed by other uranium nuclei.