What is the role of the reactor in nuclear power generation?

• A. It converts heat directly to electricity
• B. It stores spent fuel permanently
• C. It cools the water
• D. It houses the fuel rods and supports the fission reactions, along with control rods

Answer: (D)

The reactor's job is to host the fuel and sustain a controlled fission process. Inside the reactor core, fuel rods are arranged so fission events occur, and control rods can be inserted or withdrawn to absorb neutrons and regulate the reaction rate. The heat produced by fission is carried away by the coolant to make steam that runs the turbine and generator to produce electricity. The reactor does not store spent fuel (that happens after removal) and it does not directly cool water; cooling systems separate from the core handle that.