Nuclear Power

Glossary

Control rods - Devices inserted into the nuclear reactor to absorb neutrons and therefore control the rate at which the nuclear reaction proceeds.

Isotope - Atoms of the same element which have a different number of neutrons in their nucleus.

Nucleus - The centre of the atom which contains most of the atomic mass. It is composed of protons and neutrons. Protons are positive charged particles and neutrons are neutral.

Neutron - A neutral particle found in the nucleus of an atom.

Nuclear reaction - A reaction involving the nucleus of an atom.

Nuclear fission - The splitting of an unstable atomic nucleus to form two smaller stable nuclei.

Nuclear fusion - The binding together of two or more atomic nuclei to form a larger nucleus.

Nuclear reactor - A vessel in which nuclear reactions take place.

Proton - A positive particle found in the nucleus of an atom.