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The only one that has ever exploded to my knowledge was at Chernobyl in 1986, and this was due to a steam pressure surge during an experimental procedure that was badly planned and carried out. This type of reactor was unique to the Soviet bloc countries and is no longer built, though I think some may still be in operation.

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15y ago
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6mo ago

A nuclear reactor can explode if there is a buildup of steam pressure, causing a steam explosion, or if there is a core meltdown leading to a subsequent hydrogen explosion. This can release radioactive material into the environment and cause widespread damage.

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Q: How does a nuclear reactor explode?
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Can a nuclear reactor explode as a nuclear bomb?

No, a nuclear reactor cannot explode like a nuclear bomb. The design and process within a nuclear reactor are different from those in a nuclear bomb. In a reactor, the control systems prevent the conditions needed for a nuclear explosion to occur.


Would a nuclear reactor explode if there were no people?

No, a nuclear reactor would not explode solely due to the absence of people. Reactor safety systems are designed to shut down automatically in case of any abnormal conditions, such as the reactor overheating or losing cooling. The presence or absence of people would not impact the reactor's physical safety mechanisms.


When did reactor number 4 explode?

Reactor number 4 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine exploded on April 26, 1986.


Can a nuclear reactor be used as a nuclear weapon?

No, a nuclear reactor cannot be used as a nuclear weapon. The design and purpose of a nuclear reactor are different from those of a nuclear weapon. The fuel and technology used in reactors are not suitable for producing the type of explosive power needed for a nuclear weapon.


What happens when a nuclear reactor in a nuclear submarrine explodes?

If a nuclear reactor in a nuclear submarine were to explode, it could release radioactive materials into the environment, posing a significant threat to human health and the environment. The explosion could also lead to the sinking of the submarine, creating additional safety and environmental hazards. Emergency response teams would need to contain the spread of radiation and mitigate the consequences of the explosion.

Related questions

Did chernobyl explode like a bomb?

It did explode, but this was due to a surge in steam pressure which blew off the top of the reactor, it was not a nuclear explosion as in a nuclear weapon.


Can a nuclear reactor explode as a nuclear bomb?

No, a nuclear reactor cannot explode like a nuclear bomb. The design and process within a nuclear reactor are different from those in a nuclear bomb. In a reactor, the control systems prevent the conditions needed for a nuclear explosion to occur.


Would a nuclear reactor explode if there were no people?

No, a nuclear reactor would not explode solely due to the absence of people. Reactor safety systems are designed to shut down automatically in case of any abnormal conditions, such as the reactor overheating or losing cooling. The presence or absence of people would not impact the reactor's physical safety mechanisms.


When did reactor number 4 explode?

Reactor number 4 at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine exploded on April 26, 1986.


Where did a nuclear reactor explode in 1986?

A nuclear reactor exploded in 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. The explosion released a large amount of radioactive material into the atmosphere, making it one of the worst nuclear disasters in history.


Can a power plant can explode like a nuclear weapon?

No, a nuclear weapon needs a specific geometry to detonate, and it has to be held in this position by very high explosives to keep it in this shape. In a nuclear reactor, if the reactor core goes critical then the force of the expanding coolant will blow the reactor apart, preventing a nuclear blast.


Can a nuclear reactor be used as a nuclear weapon?

No, a nuclear reactor cannot be used as a nuclear weapon. The design and purpose of a nuclear reactor are different from those of a nuclear weapon. The fuel and technology used in reactors are not suitable for producing the type of explosive power needed for a nuclear weapon.


What is the Japanese Nuclear Reactor?

A Nuclear Reactor.


What are the negatives about using Nuclear Energy?

This is not correct. Assuming "Using Nuclear Energy" means using it to generate electricity in a reactor. A nuclear reactor is a power plant, that uses nuclear fission to eventually generate electricity. An atom bomb also uses nuclear fission to generate energy causing an explosion. However, due to fundamental differences between the two a nuclear reactor cannot explode like an atom bomb.


What is nuclear reactor kinetics?

Nuclear reactor kinetics is the branch of reactor engineering and reactor physics and control that deals with long term time changes in reactor fuel and nuclear reactors.


Does South Africa has a nuclear reactor?

yes, south Africa has a nuclear reactor.


What is the difference between nuclear reactor and nuclearpower plant?

a nuclear reactor converts binding energy into heat. a nuclear power plant uses a nuclear reactor to generate electricity.