Nuclear Power Plants MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Nuclear Power Plants - Download Free PDF

Given, Energy per fission = 200 MeV

Total energy per second =  3.204 × 10-11  Joules per fission

1 eV = 1.602 × 10^-19 joules

200 MeV = 200 × 10⁶ × 1.602 × 10-19 = 3.204 × 10^-11  J per fission

Fissions per second = \({Total \space  energy\space per\space second \over Energy \space per \space fission}\)

Fissions per second = \({3.2\times 10^{10} \over 3.204\times 10^{-11}}\)

Fissions per second = 1021

Explanation:

Which of the following power plants involves high initial cost in erecting?

Correct Option: 4) Nuclear Power Plant

Detailed Explanation:

A nuclear power plant is a facility that generates electricity by harnessing the energy released from nuclear reactions, primarily through nuclear fission. It is known for its ability to produce large amounts of energy with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. However, the initial cost of erecting a nuclear power plant is exceptionally high compared to other types of power plants. This high cost is attributed to several factors that are discussed below:

1. Construction Complexity:

Nuclear power plants require highly complex and intricate designs to ensure safety and efficiency. The construction process involves sophisticated engineering and technology to build reactors, containment buildings, cooling systems, and other critical components. This complexity results in higher costs for materials, labor, and specialized equipment.

2. Safety Measures:

Safety is paramount in nuclear power plants due to the potential risks associated with radiation and nuclear accidents. Extensive safety systems, including containment structures, emergency cooling systems, radiation shielding, and monitoring equipment, must be installed. These safety measures significantly add to the initial cost of construction.

3. Regulatory Compliance:

Nuclear power plants are subject to stringent regulations and standards set by governments and international organizations. Compliance with these regulations requires detailed planning, licensing, and periodic inspections, all of which contribute to the overall cost. Obtaining approvals and permits can be a lengthy and expensive process.

4. Specialized Workforce:

The construction and operation of nuclear power plants demand a highly skilled and specialized workforce, including nuclear engineers, safety experts, and technicians. Recruiting and training these professionals is costly and adds to the initial expenditure.

5. Advanced Technology:

Nuclear power plants use advanced technologies, such as nuclear reactors, fuel handling systems, and waste management facilities. The development, procurement, and installation of these technologies are expensive, further increasing the initial cost.

6. Waste Management Systems:

Managing nuclear waste is a critical aspect of a nuclear power plant. Specialized storage facilities and disposal methods must be established to safely handle radioactive waste. These systems require significant investment during the construction phase.

7. Long Construction Time:

Nuclear power plants typically take several years to construct due to their complexity and regulatory requirements. The extended construction timeline results in higher financing costs and increased overall expenditure.

8. Risk Mitigation:

The potential risks associated with nuclear power necessitate comprehensive risk mitigation strategies during construction. These strategies include robust structural designs, redundancy systems, and emergency preparedness plans, all of which contribute to the high initial cost.

Advantages of Nuclear Power Plants:

• High energy density: Nuclear fuel provides a tremendous amount of energy compared to fossil fuels.
• Low greenhouse gas emissions: Nuclear power is considered a cleaner energy source, contributing to climate change mitigation.
• Reliable base-load power: Nuclear plants can operate continuously for extended periods, providing consistent power supply.

Disadvantages of Nuclear Power Plants:

• High initial cost: As explained, the construction and setup of nuclear power plants are expensive.
• Nuclear waste management: Handling and disposing of radioactive waste remains a significant challenge.
• Potential for accidents: Despite stringent safety measures, the risk of nuclear accidents, such as those at Chernobyl and Fukushima, cannot be entirely eliminated.

Conclusion:

The high initial cost of erecting nuclear power plants is justified by their ability to generate large amounts of energy efficiently and with minimal environmental impact. However, the complexity, safety requirements, regulatory compliance, and specialized infrastructure contribute to the high investment needed for construction.

Additional Information

To further understand the analysis, let’s evaluate the other options:

Option 1: Hydro-electric Power Plant

Hydro-electric power plants require significant initial investment due to the construction of dams, reservoirs, and turbines. While they are costly, the construction cost is generally lower compared to nuclear power plants. Additionally, the environmental impact of altering water bodies and ecosystems may add to the operational complexity. However, hydro-electric plants provide renewable energy and have lower operating costs in the long term.

Option 2: Steam Power Plant

Steam power plants, which use coal or other fossil fuels to generate steam for electricity production, involve moderate initial costs. The infrastructure required for boilers, turbines, and other components is relatively straightforward. The cost is significantly lower than that of nuclear power plants, but the environmental impact due to greenhouse gas emissions is a major disadvantage.

Option 3: Gas Turbine Power Plant

Gas turbine power plants are among the least expensive to construct compared to other types of power plants. They are compact, quick to install, and require less infrastructure. However, they are less efficient than steam power plants and nuclear power plants in terms of energy output. The lower initial cost makes them suitable for temporary or supplementary power generation.

Main Components of a Nuclear Reactor

Among the following options, Condenser is the part of the power plant’s steam cycle and is located outside the reactor. ​

1. Neutron Moderator: Moderators are used for reducing the speed of fast neutrons released from the fission reaction and making them capable of sustaining a nuclear chain reaction. Usually, water, solid graphite, and heavy water are used as a moderator in nuclear reactors.
2. Control rods: Control rods are an essential part of a nuclear reactor. They are used to control the rate of the nuclear fission reaction by absorbing neutrons. By inserting or withdrawing control rods, the reactor's power output can be regulated.
3. Fuel rods: They contain the nuclear fuel, typically uranium or plutonium, which undergoes fission to release energy. These rods are placed inside the reactor core, where the fission process generates heat, which is then used to produce steam and generate electricity.

• The unused steam in a boiling water reactor plant is condensed into water, allowing for efficient recycling within the system.
• In a BWR, water is heated in the reactor core to form steam. This steam is then used to drive a turbine to generate electricity.
• Not all steam generated in the reactor is used immediately for electricity generation. Unused steam can occur due to varying demand for power.
• The unused steam is typically routed to a condenser where it is cooled and condensed back into water. This process allows the water to be recycled back into the reactor or the feedwater system, maintaining the efficiency and sustainability of the water supply in the system.
• Condensing unused steam helps maintain pressure and temperature in the reactor and ensures that water is available for reheating and steam generation when needed.
   

Additional Information

Some other types of reactors are: 
1. Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR):  In a PWR, water is heated in the reactor core but kept under high pressure, preventing it from boiling. The hot water then transfers heat to a secondary loop where steam is generated to drive turbines.
Key Features:

• Uses two separate loops: one for the reactor and another for steam generation.
• Control rods are inserted into the core to manage the fission reaction.

​
2. Canadian Deuterium Uranium Reactor (CANDU): CANDU reactors use heavy water (deuterium oxide) as both a coolant and a neutron moderator. They can utilize natural uranium as fuel.
Key Features:

• Allows for on-load refueling, meaning fuel can be replaced without shutting down the reactor.
• High neutron economy due to the use of heavy water.
   

3. Liquid Metal Fast Breeder Reactor (LMFBR):  LMFBRs use liquid metals, typically sodium or lead, as coolants. They operate with fast neutrons and are designed to breed more fuel than they consume.
Key Features:

• High thermal efficiency and the potential for a closed fuel cycle.
• Can utilize plutonium and other actinides as fuel, enhancing sustainability.
   

4. Molten Salt Reactor (MSR): In MSRs, nuclear fuel is dissolved in a molten salt coolant. This allows for higher operating temperatures and potentially better thermal efficiencies.
Key Features:

• Can be designed for thorium fuel cycles, enhancing fuel sustainability.
• Operates at low pressures, reducing the risk of pressure-related accidents.
   

5. Fast Neutron Reactor (FNR): FNRs use fast neutrons to sustain the fission reaction and often have a closed fuel cycle.
Key Features:

• Capable of burning long-lived isotopes and reducing nuclear waste.
• Can breed fuel, potentially providing a sustainable energy source.

The heating area in a straight water-tube boiler can vary primarily by:

Length of the Tubes:

• Increasing the length of the water-tube increases the surface area available for heat exchange. This allows for more effective heating of the water as it flows through the tubes.
• A longer tube can absorb more heat from the hot gases passing around it, enhancing the overall efficiency of the boiler.
   

Surface Area Consideration:

• The heating area is directly related to the surface area of the tubes that is in contact with the hot gases.
• Longer tubes provide more surface area, allowing for better heat transfer.
   

Conclusion: Thus, to effectively vary the heating area in a straight water-tube boiler, the length of the tubes is a primary method, as it directly impacts the surface area available for heat exchange.​​

Tarapur Atomic Power Station:

• Tarapur Atomic Power station is located in Tarapur, Maharashtra.
• It was the first commercial atomic power station of India commissioned on 28th October 1969.
• It was commissioned under 123 agreements signed between India, the United States and International Atomic Energy Agency. 
• The station is operated by the National power corporation of India.

About Tarapur Atomic Power Station:

• Tarapur Atomic Power station is located in Tarapur, Maharashtra.
• It was the first commercial atomic power station of India commissioned on 28th October 1969.
• It was commissioned under 123 agreements signed between India, the United States, and International Atomic Energy Agency. 
• The station is operated by the National power corporation of India.

​

CONCEPT:

Nuclear reactor:

• It is a device in which a nuclear reaction is initiated, maintained, and controlled.
• It works on the principle of controlled chain reaction and provides energy at a constant rate.

EXPLANATION:

• The moderator's function is to slow down the fast-moving secondary neutrons produced during the fission.
• The material of the moderator should be light and it should not absorb neutrons.
• Usually, heavy water, graphite, deuterium, and paraffin, etc. can act as moderators.
• These moderators are rich in protons. When fast-moving neutrons collide head-on with the protons of moderator substances, their energies are interchanged and thus the neutrons are slowed down.
• Such neutrons are called thermal neutrons which cause fission of U235 in the fuel. 

• A nuclear reactor is a cylindrical stout pressure vessel and houses fuel rods of Uranium, moderator, and control rods
• The fuel rods constitute the fission material and release a huge amount of energy when bombarded with slow-moving neutrons
• The moderator consists of graphite rods that enclose the fuel rods. The moderator slows down the neutrons before they bombard the fuel rods.
• The control rods are of cadmium and are inserted into the reactor. Cadmium is a strong neutron absorber and thus regulates the supply of neutrons for fission.

​The correct answer is Storage and Dispersal.

• Major hazards of nuclear power generation:
  • Storage and disposal of spent or used fuels: This is because the uranium used decays into harmful subatomic particles radiations which are harmful to health. Further, there is a risk of accidental leakage of nuclear radiation.
  • Environmental contamination: improper nuclear-waste storage and disposal result in environmental contamination.
  • High cost of installation: nuclear power plants require a lot of money for their setup. moreover, the limited availability of uranium adds to the disadvantage of not making it an economic fuel.

Key Points

• Nuclear Power plant:

The correct answer is Ukraine.

Key Points

• The Chernobyl nuclear plant which is now closed is located near the abandoned city of Pripyat in northern Ukraine.
• It is also known as Vladimir Ilyich Lenin Nuclear Power Plant.
• The construction of the plant was begun on 15th August 1972 and it was commissioned on 26th September 1977.
• The thermal capacity of the plant was 12,800 Mega Watt.
• The plant was operated by the State Agency of Ukraine on Exclusive Zone Management (SAUEZM).

​Additional Information

Image of Chernobyl Nuclear Plant:

Nuclear Power Station:

• A generating station in which nuclear energy is first converted to heat energy by means of nuclear fission then this heat energy utilize for making steam at high temperature and pressure.
• The steam runs the steam turbine which converts steam energy into mechanical energy.
• The turbine drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
• In short: Nuclear Energy ⇒ Heat (Thermal) Energy ⇒ Mechanical Energy ⇒ Electrical Energy
• In a nuclear power station, heavy elements such as Uranium (U235) or Thorium (Th232) are subjected to nuclear fission in a special apparatus known as a reactor.

Additional InformationLayout of Nuclear Power Station:

The schematic arrangement of a nuclear power station is shown in Fig. The whole arrangement can be divided into the following main stages:

(i) Nuclear reactor
(ii) Heat exchanger
(iii) Steam turbine
(iv) Alternator

(i) Nuclear reactor:

• It is an apparatus in which nuclear fuel (U235) is subjected to nuclear fission.
• It controls the chain reaction that starts once the fission is done.
• A nuclear reactor is a cylindrical stout pressure vessel and houses fuel rods of Uranium, moderator, and control rods.
• The moderator consists of graphite rods that enclose the fuel rods.
• The control rods are of cadmium and are inserted into the reactor.
• The heat produced in the reactor is removed by the coolant, generally a sodium metal.
   

(ii) Heat exchanger: The coolant gives up heat to the heat exchanger which is utilized in raising the steam. After giving up heat, the coolant is again fed to the reactor.

(iii) Steam turbine:

• The steam produced in the heat exchanger is led to the steam turbine through a valve.
• After doing useful work in the turbine, the steam is exhausted from the condenser.
• The condenser condenses the steam which is fed to the heat exchanger through a feedwater pump.
   

(iv) Alternator: The steam turbine drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Nuclear power plant:

• The generating station in which nuclear energy is converted into electrical energy is known as a nuclear power station.
• In a nuclear power station, heavy elements such as Uranium (U²³⁵) or Thorium (Th²³²) are subjected to nuclear fission in a special apparatus known as a reactor.
• The heat energy thus released is utilized in raising steam at high temperature and pressure.
• The steam runs the steam turbine which converts steam energy into mechanical energy.
• The turbine drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Components of a nuclear power plant:

1.) Nuclear reactor:

• It is an apparatus in which nuclear fuel (U²³⁵) is subjected to nuclear fission.
• A nuclear reactor is a cylindrical stout pressure vessel that houses fuel rods of uranium, moderator, and control rods.
• The fuel rods constitute the fission material and release a huge amount of energy when bombarded with slow-moving neutrons.
• The moderator consists of graphite rods that enclose the fuel rods. The moderator slows down the neutrons before they bombard the fuel rods.
• The control rods are of cadmium and are inserted into the reactor. Cadmium is a strong neutron absorber and thus regulates the supply of neutrons for fission. 

2.) Heat exchanger:

• The coolant gives up heat to the heat exchanger which is utilized in raising the steam.
• After giving up heat, the coolant is again fed to the reactor.

3.) Steam turbine:

• The steam produced in the heat exchanger is led to the steam turbine through a valve
• After doing useful work in the turbine, the steam is exhausted in the condenser. The condenser condenses the steam which is fed to the heat exchanger through the feed water pump.

4.) Alternator:

• The steam turbine drives the alternator which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.
• The output from the alternator is delivered to the bus bars through the transformer, circuit breakers, and isolators.

The correct answer is Gujarat.

Key Points

• The Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) is located near Surat in the state of Gujarat.
• KAPS currently operates two PHWRs, the first of which (Unit-1) began commercial operations on 6 May 1993.

Important Points

• Nuclear power plants in India:

  Power Station	State
  Kaiga	Karnataka
  Kudankulam	Tamil Nadu
  Madras (Kalpakkam)	Tamil Nadu
  Narora	Uttar Pradesh
  Tarapur	Maharashtra

• Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is the largest atomic energy station in India.
  • Its capacity is 2,000MW.
• Tarapur Atomic Power Station is the first nuclear power plant in India.
  • This plant is situated in Boisar, Maharastra in Oct-1969.
• India's and Asia's first nuclear reactor was the Apsara research reactor at Mumbai.

About Tarapur Atomic Power Station:

• Tarapur Atomic Power station is located in Tarapur, Maharashtra.
• It was the first commercial atomic power station of India commissioned on 28th October 1969.
• It was commissioned under 123 agreements signed between India, the United States, and International Atomic Energy Agency. 
• The station is operated by the National power corporation of India.

​