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- Fukushima (2011): A tsunami disabled power supply to the reactor, causing overheating, a partial meltdown, and the release of radioactive gases.
These incidents highlight the crucial need for understanding how nuclear reactors operate and what happens during a meltdown.
The Mechanics of Nuclear Reactors
Current nuclear power plants typically use water or advanced gas for cooling reactors. Nuclear fission occurs when uranium stored in fuel rods undergoes a chain reaction, producing heat. This heat transforms liquid coolant into steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.