A nuclear reactor generates 1.0GW of power. About how much mass does it lose

per day?

a) 10^3 kg

b) 10^9 kg

c) 10^-8 kg

d) 10^-3 kg

Option (d) 10^-3 kg

Explanation:

Step 1:

Data obtained from the question. This includes the following:

Power (P) = 1 GW = 1x10^9 W

Time (t) = 1 day = 1 x 24 x 60 x 60 = 86400 secs

Mass (m) = ?

Step 2:

Determination of the energy generated by the nuclear reactor. This is illustrated below:

Energy (E) = Power (P) x time (t)

E = 1x10^9 x 86400

E = 8.64x10^13 J

Step 3:

Determination of the mass lose per day.

The mass lose per day can be obtained by applying the following equation:

E = MC^2

Where:

E is the energy = 8.64x10^13 J

C is the velocity of light = 3x10^8 m/s

M is the mass = ... ?

E = MC^2

M = E/C^2

M = 8.64x10^13 / (3x10^8) ^2

M = 10x10^-4 Kg = 1x10^-3 kg

Therefore, the mass lose per day is 1x10^-3 kg