boiling-water reactor![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
In this second most common reactor, boiling occurs directly in the reactor core; it is used mainly in the United States, Sweden and Japan.
steam outlet ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Steam produced in the reactor tank is carried to the turbine to produce electricity.
concrete shielding ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Concrete structure that holds back radioactive products in the event of an accident.
condensation pool ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Water-filled basin that is used to lower the pressure in the reactor tank in the event of an accident.
dry well ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Compartment around the reactor tank; it holds back radioactive products in the event of an accident.
control rod ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Tube that contains a neutron-absorbing material (boron, cadmium) that is introduced into the reactor core to control its power.
pump ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Device that continuously circulates water inside the reactor.
reactor core ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Center section of the nuclear reactor where fission reactions take place.
reactor tank ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Safety containment wall that separates the reactor from the rest of the building.
feedwater ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Piping that carries water from the condenser into the reactor tank, where it is converted into steam.
wet well ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Compartment containing water that reduces the pressure in the dry well in the event of an accident.
coolant: boiling water ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Boiling water: natural water that boils and vaporizes on contact with the heat released by the fuel.
fuel: enriched uranium ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Enriched uranium: uranium produced by treating natural uranium to increase the quantity of fissionable isotopes (uranium-253) contained in it.
moderator: natural water ![click to hear](/images/speaker.jpg)
Natural water: water found in its natural state.