Why does a nuclear power need a cooling tower?

Harris Nuclear Power Plant

Phenomenon Description:  Waste vapor is released from Harris Nuclear Power Plant's cooling tower.
Location: Wake, Harris Nuclear Power Plant 
Grade Level or Course: Physical Science


Question: Why does a nuclear power need a cooling tower?
Other Questions: Is that smoke or steam releasing from the tower?
Is the vapor we see coming out of the cooling towers harmful to the environment?
Crosscutting Concepts: Structure and Function
Science Domain: Physical Science  

NC Standard: 
PS.PSc.3 Understand the role of the nucleus in radiation and radioactivity.
NC Objective:
PS.PSc.3.3 Obtain, evaluate, and communicate information to explain the application of nuclear reactions to radioactive dating, medicine, and energy production.

Additional Resources:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18RycIwrATyMKeYXxs1PEu2er6oml_72e/view
Duke Energy Nuclear Information Center 
https://www.duke-energy.com/energy-education/how-energy-works/nuclear-power
Duke Energy Education Center 
https://nuclear.duke-energy.com/explore-nuclear-energy
How does a cooling tower work? | PSEG Nuclear 
https://youtu.be/lplZ8fzmats?si=r2L9gYynoU8wtS8X


 


 





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