GCSE Physics (AQA)

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Nuclear Reactor

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Atomic structure Nuclear fission and fusion

Nuclear Reactor

5:12 Nuclear Energy
Spec 4.4.4.1
Previous Chain Reaction Next Nuclear Reactor Safety
  • A nuclear efficient reactor generates electricity using energy released during nuclear fission.
  • Nuclear fission occurs when a large nucleus absorbs a neutron and breaks apart, releasing energy.
  • The reactor converts nuclear energy stored in atoms to electrical energy for the national grid.
  • A nuclear efficient reactor is also referred to as a nuclear reactor or fission reactor.
  • The reactor is a specifically designed environment for facilitating nuclear fission reactions and harnessing the heat released.
  • Key components of the reactor include fuel rods, coolant, and control rods.
  • Fuel rods, where reactions take place, are made from enriched uranium.
  • Enriched uranium in fuel rods typically consists of 97% uranium-238 and 3% uranium-235.
  • Uranium-238 is not easily fissionable, while uranium-235 is easily fissionable.
  • Fuel rods are long and thin to maximize surface area for neutron absorption and minimize neutron absorption within the same rod.
  • Neutrons released by one rod are absorbed by neighboring rods, causing a chain reaction.
  • The energy from fission reactions heats a coolant, usually water or gas, which is pumped into the reactor.
  • The coolant absorbs energy from gamma waves and nuclei collisions, warming it up.
  • Hot coolant is pumped out of the reactor to spin turbines and generate electricity.
  • The main focus is on how the reactor facilitates fission reactions and collects energy with the coolant.

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