answersLogoWhite

0

When fuel rods in a nuclear power plant generate too much heat, they start to melt.

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

What else can I help you with?

Continue Learning about Physics

How does a nuclear meltdown occur?

A nuclear meltdown occurs when a nuclear reactor's core overheats to the point where the fuel rods melt, releasing radioactive material. This can be triggered by factors such as coolant failure or loss of control over the nuclear chain reaction. The extreme heat generated can lead to the release of harmful radiation into the environment.


What is a dangerous condition caused by overheating inside a nuclear reactor?

A dangerous condition caused by overheating inside a nuclear reactor is called a nuclear meltdown. This occurs when the reactor core is unable to be cooled and may result in a breach of the containment structures, releasing radioactive material into the environment.


What commonly occurs after a meltdown?

After a meltdown, many disasters may happen. When a reactor melts down, lots of steam is released. The steam is so hot, and there is so much of it, it can burn everything within miles, totally destroying it.


What is a dangerous conditions caused by overheating inside of reactor called?

A dangerous condition caused by overheating inside a reactor is known as a meltdown. This occurs when the core of the reactor becomes so hot that it melts, potentially leading to a breach of containment and release of radioactive material.


The only meltdown in a nuclear reactor to ever happen in the US happen where?

The only nuclear reactor meltdown in the US occurred at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania in 1979. It was a partial meltdown caused by a combination of equipment failure and human error.