TUTORIAL PROBLEMS ON NUCLEAR FUELS

1. Difference between a coal fired power plant and a nuclear power plant
2. Advantages and drawbacks as a fuel of:
 Coal
 Firewood
 Nuclear
3. What are the main factors that affect energy use?
4. The USA accounts for about 23% of current world energy consumption. Why?
5. It is said that “when it comes to energy conversion, you cannot win or even break even”. Explain
6. Identify 5 forms of primary energy resources
7. Explain what you understand by the following and give one example for each
 Secondary fuel
 Energy currency
 Energy service
 Energy carrier
8. Why is electricity such a useful energy carrier?
9. Compare the following:
 Coal-thermal electricity production
 Solar-photovoltaic electricity production
 Solar-thermal electricity production
 Wind turbine electricity production
10. Why are nuclear power plants not considered fully greenhouse gas emissions free?
11. With all its potential, why is nuclear power production not fully utilised?
12. If fusion is safer than fission, why is it not the one we use in nuclear reactors?
13. Use a sketch to give an explanation of the nuclear fuel cycle (as fully as possible ) and differentiate
between “on-through fuel cycle” and “closed fuel cycle”
14. What is a breeder reactor and how does it work?
15. What are the major problems with breeder reactors?
16. Are people living next to a uranium mine in danger? Explain your answer.
17. If thorium is safer and more abundant than uranium, why is it not the one used?
18. Explain what you understand by the term “nuclear breeding” and the advantages thereof
19. Explain how fast breeding in fast reactors is achieved
20. What is meant by the following in respect to a breeding reactor:
 breeding ratio
 doubling time
 Fast breeder
21. What is the main attraction of the Thermal Breeder Reactor?
22. What is the main difference between a “coal-fired power plant” and a “nuclear power plant”?
23. Give a brief description of the construction features of a nuclear power plant
24. Starting with raw uranium, explain how electricity is produced in a nuclear power plant
25. Name two types of nuclear reactors in common use and list the main requisites of a nuclear power
plant, briefly giving a description for each.
26. What are the constructional characteristics of a nuclear power plant that are similar to a coal-fired
power plant?
27. Give an explanation of the pro and cons of nuclear power from the economic, technical, social and
political perspectives.
28. Why are emergency power supplies required in a nuclear power station?
29. What are the main requisites of nuclear power plant decommissioning?
30. State the main objective of Generation IV reactors and state at least SIX of the eight goals as set out
by the Global International Forum(GIF) on Gen IV reactors.
31. With the aid of a neat and clear sketch, explain the main characteristics and mode of operation of a
Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR).
32. Why are nuclear power plants given a specific lifetime rather than waiting until they become
obsolete on their own? (Give at least 4 reasons)