Nuclear Power
Definition
Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions that release nuclear energy to generate heat, which most frequently is then used in steam turbines to produce electricity in a nuclear power plant.
Analogy
Imagine nuclear power as an intense game of pool. The cue ball (a neutron) hits another ball (a uranium atom), causing it to split and release energy (electricity). This also releases more balls (neutrons) that hit other balls (uranium atoms), keeping the game going!
Related terms
Nuclear Fission: The splitting of an atomic nucleus into two smaller parts with the release of energy; this process powers nuclear reactors.
Uranium-235: A specific type of uranium used as fuel in nuclear reactors because it can easily be split apart by neutrons.
Radioactive Waste: Waste material containing radioactive chemical elements that are left over from producing nuclear energy and can remain dangerous for thousands of years.
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