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.

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Nuclear energy

Cold shutdown

Energy; Nuclear energy

The term used to define a reactor coolant system at atmospheric pressure and at a temperature below 200 degrees Fahrenheit following a reactor cooldown.

Coastdown

Energy; Nuclear energy

An action that permits the reactor power level to decrease gradually as the fuel in the core is depleted.

Cleanup system

Energy; Nuclear energy

A system used for continuously filtering and demineralizing a reactor coolant system to reduce contamination levels and to minimise corrosion.

Chain reaction

Energy; Nuclear energy

A reaction that initiates its own repetition. In a fission chain reaction, a fissionable nucleus absorbs a neutron and fissions spontaneously, releasing additional neutrons. These, in turn, can be ...

Classified information

Energy; Nuclear energy

Information that could be used by an adversary to harm the U. S. Or its allies and thus must be protected. The NRC has two types of classified information. The first type, known as national security ...

Cladding

Energy; Nuclear energy

The thin-walled metal tube that forms the outer jacket of a nuclear fuel rod. It prevents corrosion of the fuel by the coolant and the release of fission products into the coolant. Aluminum, ...

Decommissioning

Energy; Nuclear energy

The process of safely closing a nuclear power plant (or other facility where nuclear materials are handled) to retire it from service after its useful life has ended. This process primarily involves ...