Nuclear Power Plants:
The Moderator: A material that slows the neutrons
The Coolant: A liquid that absorbs the energy that has been produced by nuclear fission.
A nuclear power plant operates by a neutron chain reaction that heats the coolant. This causes the coolant to circulate hence being able to drive a turbine which generates the electricity.
Requirements for different types of nuclear reactors:
| Pressurised Water Reactor | Boiling Water Reactor | Natural Uranium Reactor | High Temp. Reactor | Breeder Reactor | |
| Fuel | UO2 | UO2 | UO2 | UC, ThC | PuO2, UO2 |
| Enrichment | 3% U-235 | 2.5% U-235 | 0.7% U-235 | 93% U-235 | Plutonium |
| Moderator | water | water | heavy water | graphite | - |
| Coolant | water | water | heavy water | helium gas | Liquid Sodium |