A nuclear generator using runs continuously for with an overall efficiency of 25% in…

PHYSICS · Multi-part · A Level · Physics · Nuclear physics · Nuclear physics

Problem

A 1 MWe1\,\text{MW}_\text{e} nuclear generator using 235U^{235}\mathrm{U} runs continuously for 24 h24\,\text{h} with an overall efficiency of 25% in converting nuclear energy to electrical output. (i) Calculate the total number of fission events that must occur in 24 h24\,\text{h}. (ii) Find the corresponding decrease in mass of the fuel. (Energy per fission =200 MeV=200\,\text{MeV}, 1 eV=1.6×10−19 J1\,\text{eV}=1.6\times10^{-19}\,\text{J}, c=3×108 m s−1c=3\times10^{8}\,\text{m}\,\text{s}^{-1}.)

Related theory

Browse the problem library