How does the nuclear reactor work?
The reactor uses fuel containing uranium, which is a radioactive metal. The reactor generates heat by a process called fission. Fission occurs when the uranium atom splits. Special equipment captures the heat produced. The heat that is generated by the reactor is then used to heat water and make steam, which turns the submarine’s main engines and electrical generators, just like most surface ships’ engines have been doing for decades using oil-fired boilers.
