Nuclear power works in basically the same way as fossil fuel burning stations such as coal, gas, etc. The only difference is that a chain reaction occurs in the nuclear reactor and causes the heat. The Nuclear Reactors use Uranium rods as fuel, the heat is generated by nuclear fission. This reaction occurs when the uranium neutrons are smashed into the nucleus of the uranium, this then causes the nucleus to split almost in half and this then releases energy in the form of heat. When the heat is produced water is pumped through the reactor to absorb the heat, this creates steam. Then the steam drives the turbines which drive the generators creating electricity. In Britain, nuclear power stations are often built on the coast, and use sea water for cooling the steam ready to be pumped round again. This means that they don't have the huge "cooling towers" seen at other power stations.
2010, Nuclear Power - energy from splitting Uranium atoms, Energy Resources, viewed June 8th 2010, available
Tungsten, 2005, Nuclear Fuel Cycle, Wikipedia, viewed June 11th 2010, available
By Blake Anderson
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