tuumajaamades

Tuumajaamades are nuclear power plants, facilities that generate electricity through nuclear fission. This process involves splitting atoms, typically uranium, in a controlled chain reaction. The heat released from this reaction is used to produce steam, which then drives turbines connected to generators, producing electricity.

The core of a nuclear power plant contains fuel rods, usually made of uranium dioxide, encased in metal. Surrounding the core is a moderator, often water or graphite, which slows down neutrons to sustain the chain reaction. Control rods, made of neutron-absorbing materials like cadmium or boron, are used to regulate the reaction rate by absorbing excess neutrons.

Nuclear power plants are designed with multiple safety systems to prevent accidents and contain radioactive materials. These include robust containment buildings, emergency cooling systems, and backup power sources. Waste products from nuclear fission, known as radioactive waste, require careful management and long-term storage due to their radioactivity.

While nuclear power offers a low-carbon source of electricity, concerns exist regarding the safety of operation, the disposal of nuclear waste, and the potential for proliferation of nuclear weapons materials. The decommissioning of old nuclear power plants also presents significant technical and financial challenges.