Nuclear Fusion Process

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What is the primary difference between nuclear fusion and nuclear fission?

Fusion requires lower temperatures than fission.

Light atomic nuclei combine in fusion, while heavy atomic nuclei split in fission. (correct)

Fusion releases energy, while fission consumes energy.

Fusion involves helium production, while fission involves hydrogen production.

What are the most commonly studied isotopes for potential energy production through fusion on Earth?

Uranium and plutonium

Oxygen and carbon

Deuterium and tritium (correct)

Helium and neon

Why are extremely high temperatures needed in nuclear fusion?

To overcome electrostatic repulsion between atomic nuclei (correct)

To prevent the formation of helium

To decrease the energy output

To increase the stability of the plasma

What is formed as a result of the fusion of deuterium and tritium?

Helium and a neutron Signup and view all the answers

What is the main challenge that researchers face in making practical nuclear fusion a reality?

Achieving and maintaining high plasma temperatures Signup and view all the answers

Why is nuclear fusion considered a sustainable energy source?

It uses isotopes that are abundant on Earth Signup and view all the answers

What is the main component of a Nuclear Power Plant?

Nuclear reactor Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the advantages of using sodium as a coolant in a nuclear reactor?

Pressurization not required Signup and view all the answers

Which type of nuclear reactor uses both natural and high enriched fuel?

Pressurized Water Reactor Signup and view all the answers

Why is it necessary to shield the primary and secondary cooling systems with concrete blocks in a sodium-cooled reactor?

Block radiation from radioactive sodium Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of a steam generator in a nuclear power plant?

Converting heat into electricity Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of a Pressurized Water Reactor in terms of fission products?

They remain contained in the reactor Signup and view all the answers

What is used as both coolant and moderator in a Pressurized Water Reactor?

Water - Light Water Signup and view all the answers

Why is an intermediate system necessary to separate active sodium from water in a sodium-cooled reactor?

To avoid violent reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the disadvantage of a Boiling Water Reactor compared to a Pressurized Water Reactor?

Radiation damage to fuel Signup and view all the answers

What happens on the secondary side of a steam generator in a nuclear power plant?

Conversion of water into steam Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for the heat exchanger of a sodium-cooled reactor to be leak-proof?

To avoid dangerous consequences of sodium leakage Signup and view all the answers

What does the pressuriser do in a Pressurized Water Reactor?

Boils some water to form steam Signup and view all the answers

Why does the pressure need to be high in the primary circuit of a Pressurized Water Reactor?

To allow boiling of water at high pressure Signup and view all the answers

What allows a Pressurized Water Reactor to reduce fuel cost?

Extracting more energy per unit weight Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of a BWR over a PWR?

No need for a thicker vessel due to low pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is a disadvantage specific to BWR mentioned in the text?

Lower thermal efficiency on part load operation Signup and view all the answers

What is the moderator, coolant, and neutron reflector in a CANDU reactor?

Heavy water Signup and view all the answers

Why are CANDU reactors more economical for countries not producing enriched uranium?

Enriching uranium is very costly Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates the cooling systems of CANDU reactors from light-water reactors (LWRs)?

Separation of moderator and coolant Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of graphite in a sodium-graphite reactor (SGR)?

Moderator Signup and view all the answers

Why does liquid sodium in the secondary circuit of an SGR need to pass through a boiler?

To generate superheated steam for electricity production Signup and view all the answers

How is the liquid sodium-potassium in an SGR circulated back to the intermediate heat exchanger?

By pumping it back Signup and view all the answers

What is required to handle liquid metal in an SGR under cover of an inert gas?

Adequate safety precautions Signup and view all the answers

How does a CANDU reactor differ from a light-water reactor in terms of pressure requirements?

CANDU reactors require higher pressure vessel strength than LWRs. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?

Nuclear fusion requires less energy to initiate compared to nuclear fission. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of reaction is essential for sustaining fusion reactions?

Reactions releasing more energy than consumed Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary principle behind the operation of nuclear power plants?

Nuclear fission reactions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of bomb works on the principle of nuclear fusion?

Hydrogen bomb Signup and view all the answers

How does nuclear fission initiate the splitting of a heavy nucleus?

By absorbing a neutron Signup and view all the answers

What is the common characteristic of both nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?

Both release energy in the form of heat. Signup and view all the answers

Why are fusion reactions considered to have greater potential for energy production compared to fission?

Fusion reactions release more energy per reaction. Signup and view all the answers