Nuclear reactors
Nuclear Reactors
Nuclear reactors (pronunciation: /ˈnjuː.kli.ər rɪˈæk.tər/) are devices designed to maintain a chain reaction producing a steady flow of neutrons generated by the fission of heavy nuclei. They are, essentially, the heart of nuclear power plants.
Etymology
The term "nuclear reactor" comes from the Latin 'nucleus' meaning 'kernel', and the Latin 'reactor' meaning 'one who responds'. In the context of nuclear energy, a reactor responds by initiating and controlling a nuclear chain reaction.
Types of Nuclear Reactors
There are several types of nuclear reactors, including:
- Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
- Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
- Heavy Water Reactor (HWR)
- Graphite Moderated Reactor
- Fast Neutron Reactor (FNR)
Related Terms
- Nuclear Fission: The process by which the nucleus of an atom is split into two or more smaller, lighter nuclei. This is accompanied by the release of a large amount of energy.
- Nuclear Fusion: A reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei are combined to form one or more different atomic nuclei and subatomic particles (neutrons or protons). The difference in mass between the reactants and products is manifested as energy.
- Radioactive Decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.
- Neutron: A subatomic particle of about the same mass as a proton but without an electric charge, present in all atomic nuclei except those of ordinary hydrogen.
- Nucleus: The central part of an atom, containing protons and neutrons and having a positive charge.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nuclear reactors
- Wikipedia's article - Nuclear reactors
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