Here's why:
* Fission: Uranium-235 is capable of undergoing nuclear fission. When a neutron strikes a uranium-235 atom, it splits the atom into two smaller atoms, releasing a tremendous amount of energy and more neutrons.
* Chain Reaction: These neutrons can then strike other uranium-235 atoms, creating a chain reaction that sustains the energy release. This controlled chain reaction is what powers a nuclear reactor.
While uranium is the primary fuel, other radioactive metals might be used in the reactor, but not as the primary fuel source. For example:
* Plutonium: Plutonium-239 is another fissile material produced in nuclear reactors from uranium-238. It can be used as fuel in breeder reactors.
* Thorium: Thorium-232 is not fissile, but it can be "bred" into fissile uranium-233.
It's important to note that the radioactive metal in a nuclear reactor is not directly "burned" like fossil fuels. The energy comes from the splitting of the atom's nucleus, a process called nuclear fission.
