How are nuclear power plants different from coal fired power plants?

Nuclear and fossil fuel-burning power plants differ mainly in where their energy comes from; a nuclear reactor produces heat from radioactive metals, and a fossil-fuel plant burns coal, oil or natural gas.

Are nuclear power plants better or worse for the environment?

Unlike fossil fuel-fired power plants, nuclear reactors do not produce air pollution or carbon dioxide while operating.

What are the similarities and differences between thermal power plant and nuclear power plant?

Only the heat source is different. In a nuclear plant, the heat source is from the nuclear reaction whereas in a thermal power plant it is from the combustion of coal. The difference is in the inlet steam parameters to the turbine in a nuclear plant. Thermal power plants use steam at superheated conditions.

How is a nuclear power plant similar to a plant that burns fossil fuels?

Both nuclear and fossil fuel power plants produce electricity the same way. The heat generated in these plants is used to generate steam. This steam drives a turbine, which powers a generator that converts mechanical energy to electrical energy.

What is the similarities between thermal power plant and nuclear power plant?

A nuclear power plant or nuclear power station is a thermal power station in which the heat source is a nuclear reactor. As is typical in all conventional thermal power stations the heat is used to generate steam which drives a steam turbine connected to an electric generator which produces electricity.

What is the difference between nuclear power plant and atomic power plant?

In a nuclear power plant, this heat is used to boil water in order to produce steam that can be used to drive large turbines. This, in turn, activates generators to produce electrical power. Atomic energy is more correctly called nuclear energy.