How Nuclear Power Plants Generate Energy
Nuclear power plants generate electricity through a process called nuclear fission. Inside the reactor core, atoms of uranium-235 or plutonium-239 are split apart when struck by neutrons, releasing a significant amount of heat. This heat is used to convert water into steam, which then spins a turbine connected to a generator, producing electricity. Control rods are inserted or withdrawn from the reactor core to regulate the fission process and maintain a safe output. After passing through the turbine, the steam is cooled back into water in the condenser and returned into the system. This closed-loop system ensures efficient energy production with minimal greenhouse gas emissions.
