Is the plumes of smoke escaping from nuclear power plants in fact steam?
by 
Darth 5349U11
ANSWERS: 2
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Yes. When the nuclear reaction inside of a reactor takes place massive amounts of heat are released into carrier liquids in the reactor. These liquids then are indirectly contacted with water from an external source, which then turns to steam and turns turbines, generating electricity. The steam escapes the plant having never come in contact with radioactive materials, and the heat carrying fluid is returned to the reactor to be reheated so the process may be repeated. Fun Fact: Nuclear power plants emit less radiation than coal power plants
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If you ever get to Plymouth MA, they have a nuclear power plant that has no cooling towers. They use ocean water for cooling. Smallest nuclear plant i ever saw. No steam escaping.
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