Question

An atomic reactor, when used to generate electricity, is termed:
(A) Nuclear power reactor
(B) Breeder reactor
(C) Military reactor
(D) None of these

Answer 1

Hint: We can say that atomic reactor is a type of a reactor that converts atomic energy to other forms of energy. The reactor that produces electricity as a final product, can be called a power reactor. The word ‘nuclear’ suggests the nucleus of the atom.

Complete step by step solution: An atomic reactor uses energy produced by atoms and hence it could also be termed as a nuclear reactor. As energy obtained from an atomic reactor is used to generate electricity from it, it is called a nuclear power reactor.
- Atomic reactors involve fission or fusion of atoms and due to this very large amount of energy is liberated during this process.
Nuclear power reactors use thermal reactors as a source of heat energy. So, heat produces steam and this steam is passed to a steam turbine that is connected to a electricity generator and that produces electricity.
The main benefit of nuclear power stations is that it is relatively less costly than other methods of producing electricity. However, it has a disadvantage that if it explodes then it may be severely harmful to society because radioactive materials are used in it.
- Breeder reactor is a special type of reactor that produces fissile materials from lesser fissile materials.

So, the correct answer to this question is (A) Nuclear power reactor.

Note: Note that not all the power stations are nuclear power reactors. As nuclear power reactors use energy obtained from atoms, note that it can also be called an atomic reactor as well.