L1: Nuclear Powerplant

• ENRICO FERMI

  • discovered fission
  • irradiated uranium w/ neutrons
  • first transuranic element
  • architect of the nuclear age
  • architect of the nuclear bomb
• fission


  nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts
• irradiated 


  process of exposing objects to radiation
• transuranic 


  elements that have atomic numbers greater than 92
• OTTO HAHN & FRITZ STRASSMANN

  • split uranium atom by bombarding
  • separated barium and krypton
  • can't control neutron = nuclear meltdown
• bombarding


  directing a high-speed stream of particles at a target
• ERNEST RUTHEFORD

  • father of nuclear physics
• NUCLEAR FISSION

  • split under the bombardment of neutrons
  • disintegration of atom
• CHAIN REACTION

  • series of nuclear fission
  • self perpetuating (capable of continuing / renewing itself indefinitely)
  • enormous energy
• NUCLEAR FUSION

  • combining like atoms to create a heavy one
  • contained energy
• PARTS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

  • nuclear fission reactor
  • control rods
  • fuel elements
  • moderator
  • coolant
  • containment building
• NUCLEAR FISSION REACTOR

  • device that releases energy by means of a controlled fission chain reaction
  • makes a nuclear powerplant a nuclear powerplant
• CONTROL RODS


  made of boron & other neutron absorbing materials that control the # of neutrons present
• FUEL ELEMENTS

  • heart of the reactor
  • source of energy released by fission
  • uranium pellets are radioactive
• FISSIONABLE FUELS

  • uranium - 235
  • plutonium - 329
  • uranium - 233
• MODERATOR

  • slow down neutrons
• best moderating agent: hydrogen

  others: beryllium, carbon
• COOLANT

  • good neutron absorber
  • good heat transfer agents
  • ordinary water, heavy water
• CONTAINMENT BUILDING

  • dome-shaped
  • built to withstand pressure
  • all parts of nuclear powerplant r contained inside