Nuclear reactor
Nuclear Reactor
A Nuclear Reactor (pronounced: noo-klee-er ree-ak-tor) is a device used to initiate and control a self-sustained nuclear chain reaction. Nuclear reactors are used at nuclear power plants for electricity generation and in nuclear marine propulsion.
Etymology
The term "nuclear reactor" comes from the Latin nucleus, meaning "core", and the Latin reactor, meaning "one who responds". This is in reference to the core of the reactor where the nuclear reactions take place and the reactor's response to those reactions.
Types of Nuclear Reactors
There are several different types of nuclear reactors, but the most common are:
- Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)
- Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)
- Heavy Water Reactor (HWR)
- Advanced Gas-cooled Reactor (AGR)
- 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: The process by which multiple atomic particles join together to form a heavier nucleus. It is accompanied by the release or absorption of energy.
- Radioactive Decay: The process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation.
- Radiation: The emission of energy as electromagnetic waves or as moving subatomic particles.
- Nuclear Chain Reaction: A series of nuclear fissions (splitting of atomic nuclei), each initiated by a neutron produced in a preceding fission.
- Nuclear Power Plant: A thermal power station in which the heat source is a nuclear reactor.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Nuclear reactor
- Wikipedia's article - Nuclear reactor
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