Nuclear Fuel - GCSE Physics Definition

Nuclear fuel is a special material used in nuclear power stations to produce energy. It contains atoms that can easily split apart in a reaction called nuclear fission. When these atoms break apart, they release a large amount of energy in the form of heat. This heat is then used to make steam, which turns turbines to generate electricity. The most common type of nuclear fuel is a heavy metal called uranium, often found in small pellets inside fuel rods. Nuclear fuel is important because it can produce a lot of energy without releasing greenhouse gases like burning fossil fuels does, but it must be handled carefully to avoid harmful radiation.