Physics 11IB �Energy Production II
Goals: Describing the basic features of nuclear power stations, and solar power cells
Nuclear Energy
Uses Fission reactions
235U + 1n → 140Xe + 94Sr + 21n + energy
See Phet Simulation with Java. �Click “chain reaction tab at the top �and add some nuclei.
The chain reaction causes massive �amounts of energy to be released. �
This heat makes steam to turn a generator.
Traditional Nuclear Power Plant Diagram
- reaction controlled in reactors with control rods that absorb neutrons
Nuclear Energy 3
Advantages: High power output, no greenhouse gases
Disadvantages: waste products buried, uranium mining, melt down can cause major health hazard (Chernobyl, Fukushima)
Solar Energy
Solar Power - two methods of converting direct sunlight into usable energy
1) Solar panels: blackened surface collects light and then water circulating heats up directly
Solar Energy 2
2) Photovoltaic Cells
converts sunlight to direct current electrical energy. (efficiency ~40%)
sunlight releases electrons and establishes a voltage.
Solar Energy 3
Advantages: free, clean, distributed power generation
Disadvantages: location limited, timing limited, lower power output, high setup costs (but we can use mirrors!)
Assignment
Tsokos p327�#8-16
Listen to:
Imagine Dragons - Radioactive (2012)