Nuclear reactors use fission to generate energy and can be used for electricity, fuel production, and research. Fuel rods are placed in a moderator and controlled with control rods. Coolant is used to transfer heat, which can be used to generate electricity. Safety devices are used to prevent accidents.
A nuclear reactor is scientific equipment designed to generate controlled chain reactions of fissionable elements such as uranium. Nuclear reactors can be used for a variety of purposes, including electricity generation, nuclear fuel production, and scientific research. Nuclear reactors of various designs can be found in many regions of the world, from scientific laboratories in the United States to the French countryside, with the French relying on nuclear power for about 75% of their energy needs as of 2009.
Nuclear reactors rely on a process known as fission, which occurs when a heavy element absorbs a neutron and breaks into two lighter elements. In the process, the element releases energy. In a controlled fission reaction, this energy can be harnessed for various activities and persuaded to set up a chain reaction that encourages the rest of the fissile element to break up as well. An uncontrolled reaction creates a nuclear bomb.
Inside a nuclear reactor, fuel rods made of a fissile element are placed in a moderator, a material that will slow down the neutrons to promote fission. The nuclear reactor operator can control the reaction with the use of control rods, rods made of materials that absorb neutrons. When the rods are lowered into the reactor core with fuel, they absorb neutrons, slowing or stopping the fission process, and when they are raised, they allow the fuel rods to absorb neutrons and undergo fission. Periodically, the fuel rods run out and must be replaced with fresh fuel, while spent fuel must be disposed of carefully to avoid generating pollution.
The nuclear reactor also requires a coolant to transfer heat away from the reactor core. The heat, a byproduct of fission, could indeed be the target of reactor operators, because it can be used to generate electricity by generating steam that will drive the turbines. When a nuclear reactor is used for scientific research, heat can be an undesirable byproduct, although some reactors are designed for both research and electrical generation for maximum efficiency.
A huge number of systems are involved in the control and containment of a nuclear reactor. The inherent risk of creating a controlled reaction is that the reaction could spiral out of control. This concern is addressed with numerous safety devices and safety technologies designed to keep the reactor running safely. Relatively few major accidents have occurred with nuclear reactors and those tend to occur at older reactors with insufficient supporting infrastructure.
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