Nuclear Power
The natural isotopes of uranium and thorium spontaneously decay slowly with the emission of heat in a process called “radioactivity.” This method artificially induces breakdown in the development of nuclear fission and accelerates the process which can be used to generate heat in nuclear power plants.
Fuel Cycle – Steps involved in the natural concentration of uranium into mineable deposits, the mining and refining of the ore, manufacture of fuel rods, use of the fuel rods in nuclear reactors, and ultimate disposal of the fuel rods.
Reactor – The vessel in which nuclear fuels are reacted to generate heat, in turn used to raise steam and drive turbines.
Nuclear Fission – The breakdown of large nucleus (e.g., of uranium) to smaller nuclei with the emission of large amounts of energy.
Nuclear Fusion – The joining together of the nuclei of very light elements, such as hydrogen and lithium, to form heavier elements with the release of large amounts of energy.
Craig, J.R., D.J. Vaughn and B.J. Skinner. Resources of the Earth Prentice-Hall, Inc. (Third Edition) New Jersey 2001