2.2.1 Looking inside a nuclear reactor
Figure 10 shows the basic components of a nuclear power station.
The control rods that determine the number of neutrons are shown within the fuel elements. Note the moderator that controls the speed of the neutrons is close to the fuel rods too. This reactor works on an indirect steam cycle and so heat energy from the coolant is used to heat water to produce steam that turns the turbine.
In the next section, you will watch a video which shows inside a real nuclear reactor.
OpenLearn - The science of nuclear energy
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