Chapter 16, Problem 17RQ

To determine

Similarity and the difference between the nuclear reactor and the conventional fossil-fuel power plant.

Answer to Problem 17RQ

The nuclear reactor and the conventional fossil-fuel both use heat, but in the nuclear reactor, radioactive material is used to generate heat, while in the conventional fossil-fuel, the main fuel is a fossil fuel.

Explanation of Solution

The similarity between the nuclear reactor and the conventional fossil-fuel is:

1. They both utilize a resource
2. Steam is used to generate the electricity in both of these methods
3. They both use heat to turn the water into the steam
4. The useful product for both methods is heat
5. Both are not good for the planet, both methods harm the environment.

The difference between the nuclear reactor and the conventional fossil-fuel is shown below.

Nuclear reactor	Conventional fossil fuel
1. The fuel which is used in the nuclear reactor is radioactive elements like uranium, Plutonium and many more.	1. The fuel used in conventional fossil fuel is fossil fuels like coal, crude oil, and natural gases.
2. In nuclear fission, the air is not required.	2. In the combustion of fossil, fuel-air is required.
3. It is a very costly process to generate electricity.	3. It is a cheaper process than nuclear power.
4. Fossil fuel power stations are powered by the local supplies.	4. Nuclear power stations are not powered by the local supplies.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the nuclear reactor and the conventional fossil-fuel both use heat, but in the nuclear reactor, radioactive material is used to generate heat, while in the conventional fossil-fuel, the main fuel is a fossil fuel.