Nuclear Reactor Components

Front

Control rods

Back

Cylindrical device between the fuel rods, in a nuclear reactor, that absorbs excess neutrons and slows or stops fission reactions.

Front

Fuel rods

Back

Cylindrical tubes that enclose nuclear fuel within a nuclear reactor.

Front

core

Back

location of the fission reaction

Front

containment structure

Back

Contains the core with thick concrete walls to protect against leaks 

Front

steam generator

Back

Area where liquid water is changed to gaseous steam

Front

steam line

Back

Pipe that transports steam to turn the turbine

Front

turbine

Back

Device with blades propelled by steam to turn a generator

Front

generator

Back

Device that produces electricity

Front

cooling tower

Back

Structure where hot water is cooled