WHAT IS

FISSION?

The Basics
 What is fission?
Fission is a natural reaction where an atom is split into
two smaller atoms when hit by a neutron. This releases
energy in the form of heat which we can use to create
energy.
Parts of a Fission Reactor
Control rods - Control rods are long skinny
rods commonly made out of Boron or
carbon; they are used to keep the reactor
from melting down by catching the spare
neutrons from the reaction to stop any
and all uncontrolled chain reactions and
to stop the fuel reactions from heating up
too much.
Fuel rods - A fuel rod is a graphite-encased
rod containing pellets of fissionable
material, which provide fuel for nuclear
reactors.
Reservoir - A chamber of water that sits
around the reactor to capture the heat.

How do they work?

A fission reactor works much like many of our power generation plants by
creating heat to vaporize water that spins a turbine and generator. The
major difference here is that fission reactors create heat through a fission
reaction. The heat of the fission reaction heats up water in a surrounding
reservoir. This water is held in a contained chamber where is heats up
another source of water that is run through the reservoir in a pipe, this
water warms up turns into steam and turns a turbine.
Sources, Image
https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/nuclear-fuel-cycle/nuclear-power-reactors/nuclear-power-