Question

PHYSICAL SCIENCE: How does a nuclear reactor convert nuclear energy into thermal energy?

Answer 1

I'm not sure if nuclear energy is turned into thermal energy using this method, but it definitely makes energy; the reactor fissions a uranium-235 isotope into multiple pieces and controls the energy. The reactor core sits inside a steel pressure vessel, so that water around it remains liquid even at the operating temperature of over 320°C.  Steam is formed either above the reactor core or in separate pressure vessels, and this drives the turbine to produce electricity.  The steam is then condensed and the water recycled.

Answer 2

A nuclear reactor produces and controls the release of energy from splitting the atoms of uranium. Uranium-fuelled nuclear power is a clean and efficient way of boiling water to make steam which drives turbine generators.