Consider the following statements: 1. Criticality refers to the state where the chain reaction of nuclear fission in a nuclear reactor is self-sustaining. 2. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) is operated by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC). 3. In 2022-23, nuclear energy formed around 2.8 percent of India’s total energy production. Which of the statements given above are correct? |ForumIAS

Q. Consider the following statements:
1.Criticality refers to the state where the chain reaction of nuclear fission in a nuclear reactor is self-sustaining.
2.Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) is operated by the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).
3.In 2022-23, nuclear energy formed around 2.8 percent of India’s total energy production.
Which of the statements given above are correct?

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Notes:

Explanation –

Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Criticality refers to the state where the chain reaction of nuclear fission in a nuclear reactor is self-sustaining. This means that each fission event produces enough neutrons to cause further fissions, maintaining a constant rate of fission and energy release. It’s the first step in nuclear energy generation. In 2022-23, nuclear energy formed around 2.8 percent of India’s total energy production.

Statement 2 is incorrect. Kakrapar Atomic Power Station (KAPS) is a nuclear power plant located in Surat, Gujarat. It is operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The plant uses Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs) which use natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as coolant and moderator. NPCIL presently operates 23 reactors with a total capacity of 7,480 MW.

Source: Forum IAS

Post-Mains Strategy Session by Mr. Ayush Sinha | ForumIAS