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Reactor Core Melting

Definition

Reactor core melting refers to the catastrophic failure of a nuclear reactor's fuel rods, resulting in the melting of the radioactive material inside. This can lead to the release of dangerous radiation and contamination of the surrounding environment.

Analogy

Imagine a pot on a stove that is left unattended for too long. If all the water evaporates and the pot gets extremely hot, eventually it will start to melt and deform. Similarly, when a nuclear reactor's core overheats and reaches extreme temperatures, it can cause the fuel rods to melt and lose their shape.

Related terms

Nuclear Meltdown: A nuclear meltdown occurs when there is a severe failure in a nuclear power plant that results in the complete melting of its reactor core.

Radioactive Contamination: Radioactive contamination refers to the presence of radioactive substances in an area where they are not supposed to be, posing risks to human health and the environment.

Chernobyl Disaster: The Chernobyl disaster was one of history's worst nuclear accidents, where a reactor at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine experienced a catastrophic meltdown, releasing large amounts of radioactive materials into the atmosphere.