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How Does a Nuclear Reactor Work?

TechnologyEnergy

Quick Answer

A nuclear reactor generates energy by sustaining a controlled chain reaction of uranium fission, using the heat to produce steam that drives turbines.

The Full Story

In a nuclear fission reactor, atoms of uranium-235 (or plutonium-239) are struck by slow-moving neutrons, causing the nucleus to split into two smaller atoms while releasing energy and 2-3 more neutrons. These neutrons go on to split other uranium atoms, creating a self-sustaining chain reaction. Control rods made of neutron-absorbing materials (such as boron or cadmium) are inserted or withdrawn to regulate the reaction rate. The heat generated boils water into steam, which spins a turbine connected to a generator — producing electricity. A single uranium fuel pellet the size of a fingertip contains as much energy as about 480 cubic metres of natural gas.

Key Facts

1.There are about 440 operational nuclear reactors in 32 countries, generating roughly 10% of the world electricity.
2.France gets about 70% of its electricity from nuclear power, the highest proportion of any country.
3.A nuclear reactor cannot explode like a nuclear bomb; the fuel is far too dilute to sustain an explosive chain reaction.

YouTube Angle

Suggested video title for this topic:

"Inside a Nuclear Reactor — How Splitting Atoms Powers Cities"