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Reactor
  • A diagram of a fission reaction

    The reactor is where the reaction takes place. Nuclear reactors use nuclear fission, which breaks the nucleus of a uranium atom into smaller pieces, freeing neutrons in the process. The freed neutrons break other nuclei into smaller pieces, which free further neutrons. The movement of the neutrons generates heat.

Control Rods
  • Control rods are made of a substance, such as graphite or cadmium, that absorbs extra neutrons. Since the movement of the neutrons causes the reaction, absorbing the extra neutrons slows down the reaction.

Steam Generator
  • The heat from the nuclear reaction is used to heat massive amounts of water in the steam generator. Inside the steam generator are bundles of tubes that keep the water from boiling, allowing it to superheat.

Turbines and Generator
  • The superheated water from the steam generator turns turbines. The turbines then operate the generator, which creates the electricity.

Cooling Tower
  • The best-known, and most-visible, part of a nuclear power plant is the cooling tower. In the cooling tower, water is cooled down to be used again.

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13y ago

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