Minimum quantity of fuel is required

Question

Examoogle · Accepted Answer

Nuclear power plant

Explanation: Nuclear power plants have the highest energy density among conventional power generation methods, requiring a minuscule quantity of fuel compared to fossil fuel plants. This is because nuclear fission releases an enormous amount of binding energy from the nucleus, whereas thermal plants rely on the relatively small chemical energy released from molecular bonds.

Working Principle: Nuclear fission involves bombarding heavy nuclei like $^{235}U$ with neutrons, causing them to split into smaller nuclei. This process releases a significant amount of heat energy according to Einstein's mass-energy equivalence principle, $E = \Delta m c^2$. This heat is then used to generate steam, which drives a turbine connected to an electrical generator.

Key Formulas: $E = \Delta m c^2$ — Einstein's mass-energy equivalence formula describing energy release during fission; $Q = m \cdot C_p \cdot \Delta T$ — Basic heat transfer principle in the coolant loop

Key Points: Nuclear fuel ($^{235}U$) provides approximately 2-3 million times more energy per unit mass than burning coal.; Nuclear plants provide base-load power with negligible greenhouse gas emissions during operation.; Energy density is the primary driver behind the minimal fuel storage requirements for nuclear stations.

Advantages: Extremely high energy density; Low fuel storage and transportation requirements; Continuous power generation capacity

Disadvantages: High initial capital investment; Complex radioactive waste management; Stringent safety and security protocols

Applications: Large-scale base-load power generation; Naval propulsion (submarines and aircraft carriers)

Additional Info: 1 kg of $^{235}U$ produces energy equivalent to roughly 2,500 to 3,000 tonnes of coal.. Thermal, Diesel, and Gas plants require massive continuous fuel supply chains, which are logistically intensive compared to nuclear plants.

Answer: B is correct — Nuclear power plants utilize nuclear fission, which releases significantly more energy per unit of fuel mass than the chemical combustion used in other power plant types.

Exam Tip: Always relate fuel requirement inversely to the energy density of the fuel source; nuclear > gas > oil > coal.

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