In a nuclear power plant, the reactor produces 500°C steam that is used to power the steam turbines which generate 1500 MW of electrical power. The cooling tower eliminates the waste heat at 50°C. If the efficiency of the plant were that of a Carnot engine, at what rate would waste heat be vented to the atmosphere?
What will be an ideal response?
1080 MW
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The chromosphere of the Sun has a higher temperature than the photosphere
a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false
Instead of calling a white dwarf a "star," you could call it a compact object because it:
A) generates ample nuclear energy. B) is formed when a low-mass star is born. C) has several layers that contain gas. D) is almost completely degenerate matter.
Characteristic K x-rays are the result of:
a. inner electron transitions. b. outer electron transitions. c. nuclear electron states. d. buckytubes.
The energy released per reaction is smaller for fusion reactions than for the typical fission reactions. Yet fusion produces more energy per pound of fuel than fission of elements because
A. the daughter nuclei produced by fission each have excess kinetic energy. B. the fusion fuel consists of very light elements. C. fusion occurs in the sun.