THERMAL REACTOR Meaning and
Definition
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A thermal reactor refers to a type of nuclear reactor that utilizes thermal neutrons in order to sustain and control a nuclear chain reaction. Specifically designed for the generation of electricity, a thermal reactor uses fission reactions of enriched uranium or plutonium as fuel to release energy in the form of heat, which is then utilized to produce steam to drive steam turbines and generate electrical power.
The concept of a thermal reactor is based on the principle of utilizing slow or thermal neutrons, which are neutrons with low energy levels. These low-energy neutrons are more likely to cause fission reactions and maintain a self-sustaining chain reaction in a nuclear reactor. The neutrons are slowed down or thermalized in a moderator, such as water or graphite, to increase their interaction with fuel nuclei.
The process begins with the nuclear fission of fuel nuclei, which splits into smaller fragments and releases a large amount of energy in the form of heat. This heat is transferred to a coolant, such as water or gas, which absorbs the heat and circulates it to produce steam. The steam then drives turbines connected to electrical generators to produce electricity.
Thermal reactors are widely used in commercial nuclear power plants worldwide due to their efficiency in generating electricity. They require careful management and control to prevent overheating and maintain the stability of the nuclear chain reaction. Additionally, the fuel used in thermal reactors requires periodic replacement to sustain a continuous reaction.
Common Misspellings for THERMAL REACTOR
- rhermal reactor
- fhermal reactor
- ghermal reactor
- yhermal reactor
- 6hermal reactor
- 5hermal reactor
- tgermal reactor
- tbermal reactor
- tnermal reactor
- tjermal reactor
- tuermal reactor
- tyermal reactor
- thwrmal reactor
- thsrmal reactor
- thdrmal reactor
- thrrmal reactor
- th4rmal reactor
- th3rmal reactor
- theemal reactor
Etymology of THERMAL REACTOR
The term "thermal reactor" is composed of two main words: "thermal" and "reactor".
The word "thermal" is derived from the Greek word "thermos", meaning heat or hot. It entered the English language through the Latin word "thermalis", which also means heat or hot. "Thermal" refers to anything related to heat or temperature.
The word "reactor" comes from the Latin word "reactus", which is the past participle form of the verb "reagere", meaning to act or to do. "Reactor" itself is a noun form of the verb and refers to a device or system that reacts or undergoes a reaction.
When combined, "thermal reactor" refers to a device or system that undergoes a reaction involving heat or temperature.
Similar spelling words for THERMAL REACTOR
