Question

Nuclear reactions in a reactor produce a lot of thermal energy. That energy then flows and warms up water, which boils and produces steam. The steam then turns turbines that generate electricity.

Which statement below can be made about the production of electricity in a nuclear reactor?

Heat flows in the form of electricity.
Heat flows from the reactor to the water.
The water produces heat.
The steam produces heat.

Answer 1

Correct answer: Heat flows from the reactor to the water.

Explanation: Nuclear fission produces thermal energy in the reactor core. That heat is transferred to the coolant/water, which boils to make steam. The steam drives turbines that convert mechanical energy into electricity. Electricity is not the same as heat, and the water/steam are not the original sources of the heat.