Nuclear Reactors
A nuclear reactor is a device used to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction.
Most current nuclear reactors use nuclear fission to generate power. In nuclear fission the energy is created by splitting one atom into two atoms. In a conventional nuclear reactor, high-energy neutrons split heavy atoms of uranium, yielding large amounts of energy, radiation and radioactive wastes that last for long periods of time.
In nuclear fusion the energy comes from two atoms joining together and forming one atom. In a fusion reactor, hydrogen atoms come together to form helium atoms, neutrons and vast amounts of energy. Nuclear fusion is considered a cleaner, safer, more efficient and more abundant source of power than nuclear fission.
The most common use of nuclear reactors is for the generation of electricity and for the propulsion of ships and submarines.
A few reactors manufacture isotopes for medical and industrial use, and some reactors are only operated for research purposes.
Most current nuclear reactors use nuclear fission to generate power. In nuclear fission the energy is created by splitting one atom into two atoms. In a conventional nuclear reactor, high-energy neutrons split heavy atoms of uranium, yielding large amounts of energy, radiation and radioactive wastes that last for long periods of time.
In nuclear fusion the energy comes from two atoms joining together and forming one atom. In a fusion reactor, hydrogen atoms come together to form helium atoms, neutrons and vast amounts of energy. Nuclear fusion is considered a cleaner, safer, more efficient and more abundant source of power than nuclear fission.
The most common use of nuclear reactors is for the generation of electricity and for the propulsion of ships and submarines.
A few reactors manufacture isotopes for medical and industrial use, and some reactors are only operated for research purposes.