How do controlled nuclear fission reactions occur in nuclear power plants to produce electricity?

Controlled nuclear fission reactions are used to produce electricity in nuclear power plants. In these reactions, the nucleus of an atom is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of heat. This heat is used to generate steam, which turns a turbine and produces electricity.

The process of controlled nuclear fission starts with uranium-235, which is the fuel used in most nuclear power plants. The uranium-235 is bombarded with neutrons, causing the nucleus of the uranium-235 atom to split into two smaller nuclei and release two or three neutrons in the process. These neutrons then collide with other uranium-235 atoms, causing a chain reaction.

The chain reaction is carefully controlled in nuclear power plants to ensure that it doesn't get out of control and cause a meltdown. This is done using control rods, which are made of a material that absorbs neutrons. The control rods are inserted into the reactor to slow down or stop the chain reaction, and they can be removed to increase the reaction if necessary.

The heat generated by the nuclear reaction is used to produce steam, which turns a turbine and generates electricity. The steam is then cooled back into water and reused in the process.