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

U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Energy; Nuclear energy

The Federal agency established by Congress to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States, among other missions.

Turbine generator (TG)

Energy; Nuclear energy

A steam (or water) turbine directly coupled to an electrical generator. The two devices are often referred to as one unit.

Turbine

Energy; Nuclear energy

A rotary engine made with a series of curved vanes on a rotating shaft, usually turned by water or steam. Turbines are considered the most economical means to turn large electrical generators.

Thermal power

Energy; Nuclear energy

The total core heat transfer rate to the reactor coolant.

Thermal reactor

Energy; Nuclear energy

A reactor in which the fission chain reaction is sustained primarily by thermal neutrons. Most current reactors are thermal reactors.

Thermal neutron

Energy; Nuclear energy

A neutron that has (by collision with other particles) reached an energy state equal to that of its surroundings, typically on the order of 0. 025 eV (electron volts).

Terrestrial radiation

Energy; Nuclear energy

The portion of the natural background radiation that is emitted by naturally occurring radioactive materials, such as uranium, thorium, and radon in the earth.