Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate electricity. They use nuclear reactors and the Rankine cycle to convert heat into steam, which then spins a turbine and a generator.  Nuclear power reactors use heat produced during atomic fission to boil water and produce pressurized steam. The steam is routed through the reactor steam system to spin large turbines blades that drive magnetic generators to produce electricity. Here are some other basics about nuclear power plants: Nuclear reactors: A nuclear reactor is a key component of a nuclear power plant. It's used as an input... Show more

Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate electricity. They use nuclear reactors and the Rankine cycle to convert heat into steam, which then spins a turbine and a generator. 
Nuclear power reactors use heat produced during atomic fission to boil water and produce pressurized steam. The steam is routed through the reactor steam system to spin large turbines blades that drive magnetic generators to produce electricity.

Here are some other basics about nuclear power plants:

Nuclear reactors: A nuclear reactor is a key component of a nuclear power plant. It's used as an input source to produce energy and control the electrical energy generated at the output end of the plant.
Steam turbines: Steam turbine units are used in both nuclear and thermal power plants and produce about 50% of the world's electricity.
Radiation: Nuclear power plants use radiation, a form of energy emitted from the atomic nucleus during nuclear reactions, to generate electricity.
Control rods: Control rods are a vital part of nuclear reactors. They control the power (the desired fission state) in nuclear reactors.
Startup neutron source: A startup neutron source is used to reliably initiate a nuclear chain reaction in nuclear reactors.
Containment building: The containment building is the main structure at a nuclear power plant. It houses the reactor and its coolant systems. It contains the radioactive materials within and protects the reactor system from external hazards. 
 

Nuclear Power Plant topics include: Atomic structure, nuclear fusion, nuclear reactor components, nuclear reactor types and disposal of nuclear waste.

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