: After exiting the turbine, the steam is cooled in a condenser, turning it back into liquid water (condensate), which is then pumped back into the reactor vessel to start the cycle again. Key Characteristics NUCLEAR 101: How Does a Nuclear Reactor Work?

: This steam travels through pipes directly to a turbine, which spins a generator to create electricity.

: Enriched uranium fuel in the reactor core undergoes nuclear fission, releasing massive amounts of heat.