WOH
rtificially produced.
When a neutron bombards the nucleus of an
atom of uranium-235, that nucleus splits into two smaller nuclei.
At the same time it produces 2-3 neutrons and beta and gamma rays and releases around 200 mega-electron volts of energy.
If
a new
neutron
smashes into yet
uranium-235 it will result in another fission event.
the fission reaction is constantly maintained.
another
nucleus of
In this way
This is the chain
reaction.
Nuclear
energy is continuously released
during the
chain reaction.
of
thermal
The thermal energy released from the complete fission of one uranium 235 fission is equivalent to the
energy released from the complete combustion of 2,700 tonnes
kilogram
standard coal.
of
One
coal!
kilogram
of uranium
235
= 2,700 tonnes
of standard
WHAT IS A NUCLEAR POWER STATION?
A nuclear power station is a power station
energy
in released
atomic an
which uses the
to reaction fission
generate
<<
the primary
electricity. It usually consists of two main parts
loop and the secondary loop. The heart of a nuclear power station
9