A nuclear reactor is a device used to sustain a controlled fission nuclear chain reaction. They are used for commercial electricity, marine propulsion, weapons production and research. Fissile nuclei (primarily uranium-235 or plutonium-239) absorb single neutrons and split, releasing energy and multiple neutrons, which can induce further fission. Reactors stabilize this, regulating neutron absorbers and moderators in the core. Fuel efficiency is exceptionally high; low-enriched uranium is 120,000 times more energy-dense than coal. Heat from nuclear fission is passed to a working fluid coolant. In commercial reactors, this drives turbines and electrical generator shafts.
First nuclear power station opens in Obninsk near Moscow, Russia
A nuclear reactor is a device used to sustain a controlled fission nuclear chain reaction. They are used for commercial electricity, marine propulsion, weapons production and research.
Historical Significance
A nuclear reactor is a device used to sustain a controlled fission nuclear chain reaction.
Events Before
Hank Williams dies
Hank Williams, American singer, songwriter, and musician, known for american singer, songwriter, and musician, died on 1953-01-01.
Ernest Bloch's work for viola and piano, "Suite Hébraïque," part of his "Jewish Cycle," premieres in Chicago
Ernest Bloch's work for viola and piano, "Suite Hébraïque," part of his "Jewish Cycle," premieres in Chicago
US President Harry Truman announces the United States’ development of the hydrogen bomb
Harry S. Truman (May 8, 1884 – December 26, 1972) was the 33rd president of the United States, serving from 1945 to 1953.
Cricketer Richie Benaud (22) weds Marcia Lavender at the Wesley Church in Sydney, Australia
Cricketer Richie Benaud (22) weds Marcia Lavender at the Wesley Church in Sydney, Australia
US Court of Appeals rules that organized baseball is a sport and not a business, affirming the 25-year-old Supreme Court
US Court of Appeals rules that organized baseball is a sport and not a business, affirming the 25-year-old Supreme Court ruling
Events After
"The Bob Cummings Show" premieres on NBC (later moves to CBS)
"The Bob Cummings Show" premieres on NBC (later moves to CBS)
Bhutan issues its first postage stamps
The first postage stamps of Bhutan were issued in 1962, the same year that the first motorable road was opened.
Marian Anderson is the first African American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera, singing the role of Ulric
Marian Anderson is the first African American to perform with the New York Metropolitan Opera, singing the role of Ulrica in Giuseppe Verdi's "Un ballo in maschera"
American film director Stanley Kubrick (26) weds second wife, Austrian theatrical designer Ruth Sobotka (29); divorce in
American film director Stanley Kubrick (26) weds second wife, Austrian theatrical designer Ruth Sobotka (29); divorce in 1957
"The Millionaire" TV series premieres on CBS
"The Millionaire" TV series premieres on CBS
More from the 1950s
Sputnik 1 Launch
The Soviet Union launches Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite, igniting the Space Age and the US-Soviet Space Race.
space explorationscience technology
"The Bob Cummings Show" premieres on NBC (later moves to CBS)
"The Bob Cummings Show" premieres on NBC (later moves to CBS)
death
Emil Jannings dies
Emil Jannings, Swiss-born German actor, known for german actor, died on 1950-01-02. Emil Jannings was a Swiss-born German actor who was popular in Hollywood films in the 1920s.
The European Economic Community comes into effect, better known as the European Common Market
The European Economic Community comes into effect, better known as the European Common Market
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on June 27, 1954?
- A nuclear reactor is a device used to sustain a controlled fission nuclear chain reaction. They are used for commercial electricity, marine propulsion, weapons production and research. Fissile nuclei (primarily uranium-235 or plutonium-239) absorb single neutrons and split, releasing energy and multiple neutrons, which can induce further fission.
- Why is First nuclear power station opens in Obninsk near Moscow, Russia significant?
- A nuclear reactor is a device used to sustain a controlled fission nuclear chain reaction.