COULD A NUCLEAR POWER STATION EXPLODE LIKE AN ATOMIC BOMB? NO!
An atomic bomb consists of high density (>93%) fissile
almost entirely of pure uranium-235 or
material
(composed
plutonium-239)
detonator
and a sophisticated detonation system. When the
is set off, the fissile materials in the bomb are
violently compacted by the explosion. They greatly
exceed their
critical mass and therefore instantaneously begin a violent and
uncontrolled chain reaction. An enormous amount of nuclear energy
is released instantaneously, causing an atomic explosion.
are
The structure and characteristics of a nuclear power station
completely different from those of an atomic bomb. Most
electricity generating reactors use low density fissile material
as fuel. This fuel is distributed throughout the reactor. Under
could it become compacted
no
circumstances
atomic bomb to produce a nuclear explosion.
as it does in an
Moreover, there are
also safety control procedures for the reactor to ensure that the
controlled manner.
self stabilising
nuclear energy is released slowly and in a
Also, reactors are always designed to have
characteristics. So, when nuclear energy is being released too
quickly, and the temperature of the reactor core rises too high,
the chain reaction is automatically decreased or even stopped.
Therefore, no matter what happens to the reactor, even if control
is lost or the reactor core is damaged, the fission reaction will
stop eventually and automatically, and there is no possibility of
explosion. This has been experimentally proven.
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