Reactor Core Melting

Definition

Reactor core melting refers to the catastrophic failure of a nuclear reactor's fuel rods, resulting in the melting of the radioactive material inside. This can lead to the release of dangerous radiation and contamination of the surrounding environment.

Related terms

Nuclear Meltdown: A nuclear meltdown occurs when there is a severe failure in a nuclear power plant that results in the complete melting of its reactor core.

Radioactive Contamination: Radioactive contamination refers to the presence of radioactive substances in an area where they are not supposed to be, posing risks to human health and the environment.

Chernobyl Disaster: The Chernobyl disaster was one of history's worst nuclear accidents, where a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine experienced a catastrophic meltdown, releasing large amounts of radioactive materials into the atmosphere.