Here's why:
* Uranium is naturally radioactive: It contains isotopes (different forms of the same element) that are unstable and decay, releasing energy.
* Fission: When uranium atoms are bombarded with neutrons, they split apart (a process called fission), releasing a tremendous amount of energy.
* Chain Reaction: The fission process also releases more neutrons, which can trigger further fission reactions, creating a chain reaction that sustains the reactor's energy output.
While uranium is the most common nuclear fuel, other materials can be used, though less commonly. These include:
* Plutonium: A man-made element that can also undergo fission.
* Thorium: A naturally occurring element that can be converted into fissionable fuel.
It's important to note that enriched uranium is typically used in nuclear reactors, meaning the percentage of the fissionable uranium-235 isotope has been increased through a process called enrichment.
