Nuclear Reactor
What is Nuclear Reactor?
A nuclear reactor is a device in which a controlled, self-sustaining nuclear fission chain reaction is maintained to produce heat, which is then converted to electrical energy or used for propulsion. Key components include fissile fuel (usually enriched uranium-235 or plutonium-239), a moderator to slow neutrons, control rods to regulate the reaction rate, a coolant to transfer heat, and shielding to contain radiation. Nuclear reactors supply a significant fraction of the world's electricity and are used in research, medical isotope production, and naval propulsion.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
A nuclear reactor is a device in which a controlled, self-sustaining nuclear fission chain reaction is maintained to produce heat, which is then converted to electrical energy or used for propulsion. Key components include fissile fuel (usually enriched uranium-235 or plutonium-239), a moderator to slow neutrons, control rods to regulate the reaction rate, a coolant to transfer heat, and shielding to contain radiation. Nuclear reactors supply a significant fraction of the world's electricity and are used in research, medical isotope production, and naval propulsion.