What is a primary characteristic of a nuclear power plant?

A primary characteristic of a nuclear power plant is its use of nuclear fission to generate heat. In this process, the nuclei of heavy atoms, typically uranium-235 or plutonium-239, are split into smaller parts when they absorb a neutron. This reaction releases a significant amount of energy in the form of heat. This heat is then used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.

This fundamental principle distinguishes nuclear power from other types of power generation. Unlike fossil fuel plants, which rely on the combustion of coal, oil, or natural gas, or renewable sources such as wind or solar energy, nuclear power harnesses the energy stored in atomic bonds. Consequently, it does not depend on the oxidation of chemical compounds to generate energy, which is essential for the steam generation process in fossil fuel power plants.

The adoption of nuclear fission is a crucial aspect of nuclear engineering, as it allows plants to produce large amounts of electricity while emitting minimal greenhouse gases compared to traditional fossil fuel sources.