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: Enriched uranium fuel in the reactor core undergoes nuclear fission, releasing massive amounts of heat.

: After exiting the turbine, the steam is cooled in a condenser, turning it back into liquid water (condensate), which is then pumped back into the reactor vessel to start the cycle again. Key Characteristics NUCLEAR 101: How Does a Nuclear Reactor Work?

: This steam travels through pipes directly to a turbine, which spins a generator to create electricity.

: Before exiting the reactor vessel, the mixture passes through steam separators and dryers to remove water droplets, ensuring only "dry" steam moves forward.

: Demineralized water flows upward through the core, absorbing this heat and boiling into a steam-water mixture.