Step by step Energy conversion in nuclear power plant.

Explanation

(i) The nuclear power plant works on the principle of converting nuclear energy to electrical energy .
(ii) The Uranium nucleus U-235 is bombarded with a slow moving neutron : The uranium nucleus . absorbs it and is converted into its isotope U-236 which is extremely unstable splits into Barium and Krypton with release of three neutrons and tremendous amount of energy .
(iv) The released neutrons carry out fission of three more uranium nuclei and the process continues . This sets the chain reaction which is uncontrolled and may result in an explosion . But it is controlled in the process by using neutron absorbing material.
(v) Boron steel and cadmium rods are used to absorb neutrons
(vi) Thus the reaction gets controlled and the energy released can be used for generating electricity.
(vii) Hence the basis of nuclear power plant is controlled chain reaction.