Nuclear energy

Nuclear energy

Nuclear binding energy is the energy required to split a nucleus of an atom into its component parts. The component parts are neutrons and protons, which are collectively called nucleons. The binding energy of nuclei is always a positive number, since all nuclei require net energy to separate them into individual protons and neutrons.

Industry: Energy

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Nuclear energy

Pressurized-water reactor (PWR)

Energy; Nuclear energy

A common nuclear power reactor design in which very pure water is heated to a very high temperature by fission, kept under high pressure (to prevent it from boiling), and converted to steam by a ...

Power reactor

Energy; Nuclear energy

A reactor designed to produce heat for electric generation (as distinguished from reactors used for research), for producing radiation or fissionable materials or for reactor component testing.

Preliminary notification (PN)

Energy; Nuclear energy

A brief summary report issued by the NRC staff to notify the Commission of the occurrence of a significant event that appears to have health and safety significance or major public or media interest. ...

Secondary system

Energy; Nuclear energy

The steam generator tubes, steam turbine, condenser, and associated pipes, pumps, and heaters used to convert the heat energy of the reactor coolant system into mechanical energy for electrical ...

Secondary radiation

Energy; Nuclear energy

Radiation originating as the result of absorption of other radiation in matter. It may be either electromagnetic or particulate in nature.

Sealed source

Energy; Nuclear energy

Any radioactive material or byproduct encased in a capsule designed to prevent leakage or escape of the material.

Safety-related

Energy; Nuclear energy

In the regulatory arena, this term applies to systems, structures, components, procedures, and controls (of a facility or process) that are relied upon to remain functional during and following ...