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Chain reaction heats water
Nuclear power plants generate heat by splitting uranium-235 atoms, creating a chain reaction. This heat boils water to produce steam, which drives a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity. The world's first nuclear power plant, EBR-1, used a liquid metal coolant and a unique 'breeding' process to create plutonium.
- ⚛️ Uranium-235 atoms are split by fast neutrons, releasing heat and more neutrons.
- 🔄 The released neutrons trigger more fissions, creating a self-sustaining chain reaction.
- 🔥 Heat from fission boils water into steam, powering a turbine and generator.
- 🧪 EBR-1 used a liquid sodium-potassium (NaK) coolant to avoid slowing neutrons, which water would do.
- 💎 'Breeding' involves bombarding uranium-238 with neutrons to create plutonium-239.
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