A nuclear power station big enough to supply a city of a million people consumes just 3 kg of uranium a day, so it is by far the most concentrated source of energy used by man.
A tiny push caused by neutrons divide the Uranium nucleus. And when a nucleus splits, it releases huge amounts of energy, in a process called 'nuclear fission'. During this process, at least two extra neutrons are produced, which fly off and cause further fission –so that once the process has started it can continue indefinitely.
The energy of fission can be released slowly, bit by bit, and used to heat water. The steam from the water is then used to drive a generator, which produces electricity. This is the principle of nuclear reactor.
Nuclear power is cheap and unlimited power. But because of the technical difficulties and safety concerns their use is limited. When nuclear power is released from an atom, deadly rays, called radiation, can escape. These rays are very harmful. Hence the nuclear reactor at a power plant is surrounded by thick concrete walls for safety.
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