nbsp   Why can a reactor explode like an atomic bomb?
[A. CANDU Technology] [B. The Industry] [C. Cost/Benefit] [D. Safety/Liability] [E. Waste] [F. Security/Non-Proliferation] [G. Uranium] [H. Research Reactors] [I. Other R&D] [J. Further Info] While both atomic bombs and nuclear reactors makes use of the energy from a nuclear fission chain reaction in uranium or plutonium, the similarity stops there. For a nuclear explosion, it is required to bring together a critical mass of fissile material (uranium-235 or plutonium-239) extremely quickly and release an enormous amount of energy in a matter of milliseconds. As with any conventional “bomb” the defining characteristic is a large amount of energy release within a contained area in a very short (almost instantaneous) time frame. For example, a gallon of gasoline poured over a driveway and ignited is a “fire”; a gallon of gasoline ignited all at once while still in a can is a “bomb”. A nuclear weapon achieves this rapid, contained energy release by: • using high-purity fissile material; i.
