1. In a BWR or PWR, steam is generated with a temperature of about 290 °C. If river water used to receive waste heat has a temperature of 20 °C, what is the maximum possible (ideal) conversion efficiency of the reactor's thermal energy into electrical energy? Nuclear power plants typically have conversion efficiencies of 34%. Why is this efficiency less than the ideal efficiency?
2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using (a) light water, (b) heavy water, and (c) graphite as a moderator in a power reactor?