May 19, 2025 · Nuclear reactors are the heart of a nuclear power plant. They contain and control nuclear chain reactions that produce heat through a physical process called fission.

A nuclear reactor is driven by the splitting of atoms, a process called fission, where a particle (a ‘neutron’) is fired at an atom, which then fissions into two smaller atoms and some additional …

In this article, we'll explain how nuclear reactors work, what happens when they malfunction, and the risks they pose to our health and the environment compared to other energy sources.

Jul 4, 2025 · Nuclear reactors work by keeping up a controlled chain reaction. When a powerful atom, such as uranium-235, gets a neutron, it decays into small nuclei and produces heat plus …

Nuclear plants are different because they do not burn anything to create steam. Instead, they split uranium atoms in a process called fission. As a result, unlike other energy sources, nuclear …

This article explains the basics of how nuclear reactors work, what they do, and popular types of reactors — both now and in the future. What Is a Nuclear Reactor? A nuclear reactor releases …

Inside a nuclear power plant is a nuclear reactor where heavy elements, like plutonium or uranium, fuel nuclear fission reactions. These elements are contained in fuel rods. The fuel …

Nuclear reactors produce heat by splitting atoms. This heat converts water into steam, which in turn turns a turbine that spins a magnet, causing electricity to flow to the grid.

Nov 15, 2022 · How does a nuclear power plant work? Inside nuclear power plants, nuclear reactors and their equipment contain and control the chain reactions, most commonly fuelled …

Sep 5, 2023 · Nuclear reactors generate energy through the process of nuclear fission. When a neutron is absorbed by the nucleus of a U-235 atom, the nucleus becomes unstable and splits …