0-9 a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w y z search

TeachMeFinance.com - explain Nuclear reactor Nuclear reactor The term 'Nuclear reactor' as it applies to the area of nuclear science can be defined as ' The heart of a nuclear power plant or nonpower reactor, in which nuclear fission may be initiated and controlled in a self-sustaining chain reaction to generate energy or produce useful radiation. Although there are many types of nuclear reactors, they all incorporate certain essential features, including the use of fissionable material as fuel, a moderator (such as water) to increase the likelihood of fission (unless reactor operation relies on fast neutrons), a reflector to conserve escaping neutrons, coolant provisions for heat removal, instruments for monitoring and controlling reactor operation, and protective devices (such as control rods and shielding). For additional detail, see Nuclear Reactors. '. The term 'Nuclear reactor' as it applies to the area of energy can be defined as ' An apparatus in which a nuclear fission chain reaction can be initiated, controlled, and sustained at a specific rate. A reactor includes fuel (fissionable material), moderating material to control the rate of fission, a heavy-walled pressure vessel to house reactor components, shielding to protect personnel, a system to conduct heat away from the reactor, and instrumentation for monitoring and controlling the reactor's systems'. Previous 5 Terms: Nuclear fuel Nuclear Material Management and Safeguards System (NMMSS) Nuclear poison (or neutron poison) Nuclear power plant Nuclear Radiological Incident Annex Next 5 Terms: Nuclear steam supply system Nuclear transfer Nuclear waste Nucleic acid Nucleolar organizing region About the author Mark McCracken Author: Mark McCracken is a corporate trainer and author living in Higashi Osaka, Japan. He is the author of thousands of online articles as well as the Business English textbook, "25 Business Skills in English". Copyright © 2005-2011 by Mark McCracken, All Rights Reserved. TeachMeFinance.com is an informational website, and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical, legal or financial advice. Information presented at TeachMeFinance.com is provided on an "AS-IS" basis. Please read the disclaimer for details.