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Nuclear fission is a reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing large amounts of energy and neutrons. Learn about the discovery, mechanism, products, and uses of fission for nuclear power and weapons.
Learn about the history, types, benefits and challenges of small modular reactors (SMRs), a class of small nuclear fission reactors designed to be factory-built and modular. Find out how SMRs can contribute to decarbonization, nuclear proliferation and safety.
Learn about the history, benefits and challenges of thorium-based nuclear power generation, which uses uranium-233 produced from thorium as fuel. Find out how thorium reactors can offer advantages over uranium reactors, such as lower weaponization potential, reduced waste production and higher efficiency.
A nuclear reactor is a device that controls a nuclear chain reaction to produce heat, which can be used for electricity, propulsion, or other purposes. Learn how fission, neutrons, control rods, and moderators work in different types of reactors and their applications.
Learn about the design, fuel cycle, advantages and disadvantages of sodium-cooled fast reactors, a type of nuclear reactor that uses liquid sodium as a coolant and can breed plutonium. Compare pool and loop types, and see examples of operating and planned reactors in different countries.
Control rods are used in nuclear reactors to control the rate of fission of the nuclear fuel by absorbing neutrons. They are made of materials with high neutron capture cross-sections, such as boron, cadmium, silver, or hafnium, and can be inserted or removed to adjust the reactivity of the reactor.
A fast-neutron reactor (FNR) is a type of nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons for fission, without a moderator. FNRs have advantages such as higher efficiency, lower waste, and better fuel utilization, but also face challenges such as neutron leakage and corrosion.
A pressurized water reactor (PWR) is a type of light-water nuclear reactor that uses high pressure water as coolant and moderator. Learn about the history, design, and applications of PWRs in power plants, submarines, and other fields.