How Do They Make Electricity at Nuclear Power Plants?
Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy is energy produced by a controlled chain reaction. This chain reaction is produced from the fission of very heavy nuclei that are capable of nuclear fission. Uranium 235, a common, fissile reactor element, is an example for explaining the process of nuclear fission. First, neutrons are fired at the nucleus of the uranium 235 atom. When the neutron hits the nucleus of the atom, it causes the nucleus to quickly turn to uranium 236 (the number is representative of the number of neutrons), then quickly split into two lighter nuclei. This fission of the nucleus also produces more leftover neutrons, which then go on to hit more fissile nuclei. Once they hit the nuclei, the process repeats, if the right conditions are met (meaning enough luck is involved). This process releases enormous amount of kinetic energy, which is the energy produced in the reactor. However, too much energy cannot be produced all at the same time. Controlling the Nuclear Fission If the hug
