Question

How does a nuclear reactor produce electricity?

Answer 1

B. The heat from the reaction turns water to steam, which runs a generator.

Explanation

Here's what's going on within a typical nuclear power plant.

• The fuel bundle undergoes fission to release heat.
• A coolant such as molten salt flows across the reactor and transfers heat away from the fuel.
• The coolant is then passed into a heat exchanger. Cold water goes through the heat exchanger to absorb the heat. The coolant cools down and is recycled.  Water heats up and boils to produce steam.

The rest of this process resembles that of a coal power plant.

• Steam from the heat exchanger goes through a turbine, which drives a generator.
• Some water condenses and is recycled.

Reference

Wikipedia contributors. "Nuclear reactor coolant." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 13 Dec. 2018. Web. 27 Jan. 2019.