Question

How is an atomic bomb similar to the energy created in a nuclear power plant? please use more than 100 words.

Answer 1

The immense destructive energy in an atomic bomb is derived from a sudden release of excess energy by splitting the nuclei of fessile elements that make up the bomb's core. This reaction is known as nuclear fission. The isotopes uranium-235 and plutonium-239 are usually selected as fessile elements by the atomic scientists because these readily undergo fission. Fission occurs when a neutron strikes the nucleus of any of the isotopes and splits the nucleus of the isotope into fragments and release an enormous quantity of energy.

The fission process continues without external assistance because neutrons produced by the splitting of the atom strike nearby nuclei and produce more fission. This is known as chain reaction. In an atomic bomb this reaction produces a sudden release of destructive energy and this is known as an atomic explosion.

In a nuclear power plant, energy is also produced by nuclear fission. Uranium is used as the basic fuel in a nuclear reactor. Energy is produced by continuous fission of the atoms of the fessile element. But the reaction occurs under controlled conditions and the reactor also controls the release of enegy. A moderator is used to slow down the release of neutrons after the fission. Control rods are used to control the rate of the reaction. Coolant is also used to maintain the temperature. The energy thus produced is used to produce steam and drive the turbines to produce electricity.