Assertion (A): Pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plants us...
Pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plants doesn’t use
superheated steam.
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Assertion (A): Pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plants us...
Assertion (A): Pressurized water reactor (PWR) nuclear power plants use superheated steam.
Reason (R): An increase in the superheat at constant pressure increases the cycle efficiency.
Explanation:
Understanding PWR Nuclear Power Plants:
- Pressurized water reactor (PWR) is a type of nuclear power plant that uses water as both coolant and moderator.
- The reactor core heats the pressurized water to a high temperature, which remains in liquid form due to the high pressure.
- This hot, pressurized water is then used to transfer heat to a secondary water system, which produces steam to drive the turbine and generate electricity.
Explanation of Assertion (A):
- The primary purpose of a PWR nuclear power plant is to produce high-pressure steam to drive the turbine and generate electricity.
- However, the steam used in PWRs is not superheated but saturated steam.
- Saturated steam is steam that is in equilibrium with liquid water at a given pressure and temperature.
- It does not contain any additional heat energy beyond that required for phase change from liquid to vapor.
- Therefore, Assertion (A) is false.
Explanation of Reason (R):
- The reason provided states that an increase in the superheat at constant pressure increases the cycle efficiency.
- Superheated steam refers to steam that has been heated to a temperature above its saturation point.
- When steam is superheated, it contains additional heat energy beyond that required for phase change.
- This additional heat energy can be utilized to increase the energy conversion efficiency of the steam cycle.
- By increasing the superheat, the temperature difference between the steam and the cooling medium (usually water) in the condenser increases.
- This temperature difference is directly related to the efficiency of the Rankine cycle, which is commonly used in steam power plants.
- Therefore, an increase in superheat can lead to an increase in cycle efficiency.
- Therefore, Reason (R) is true.
Conclusion:
- Assertion (A) is false because PWR nuclear power plants use saturated steam, not superheated steam.
- Reason (R) is true as an increase in superheat can increase the cycle efficiency.
- Therefore, Option D, which states "A is false but R is true," is the correct answer.
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