Question

What is the sequence of energy transformations that occur in a nuclear reactor? nuclear energy Right arrow. Mechanical energy Right arrow. Thermal energy Right arrow. Electrical energy nuclear energy Right arrow. Thermal energy Right arrow. Mechanical energy Right arrow. Electrical energy thermal energy Right arrow. Nuclear energy Right arrow. Mechanical energy Right arrow. Electrical energy electrical energy Right arrow. Thermal energy Right arrow. Mechanical energy Right arrow. Nuclear energy

Answer 1

Answer:

NUCLEAR ENERGY -----> MECHANICAL ENERGY -------> THERMAL ENERGY --------> ELECTRICAL ENERGY

Explanation:

In nuclear reactor, various energy transformations occur in order to generate electricity. Nuclear reactor converts the energy released from nuclear fission and the heat generated is removed from the reactor by a cooling system where steam is generated. The steam then drives a turbine which powers a generator to produce electricity.

A nuclear reactor is hence an equipment where nuclear chain reactions occur and control can be obtained. The nuclear reactor uses mostly uranium-235 and Plutonium-239. When these radioactive substances absorbs neutrons, they undergo nuclear fission causing the nucleus to split into two or more smaller compounds with  the release of kinetic energy a form of mechanical energy, gamma radiations and others.The kinetic energy is then harnessed in the equipment as heat (thermal energy) which is received by a cooling system and steam is generated. The steam can then power the generator from which electricity is obtained (electrical energy).

So therefore, in a nuclear reactor, the nuclear energy is transformed to mechanical energy and then thermal energy which powers the generation of the electrical energy.