Here's how it works:

* Fissionable material: The plants use a fissionable material like uranium-235 as fuel.

* Neutron bombardment: A neutron strikes the uranium atom's nucleus, causing it to split (fission).

* Energy release: This splitting releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of heat.

* Heat transfer: The heat is used to boil water, generating steam.

* Turbine power: The steam drives turbines, which in turn generate electricity.