What happens during a meltdown in a nuclear reactor?

Question

anonymous · Answer

@wolfe8

wolfe8 · Answer

I believe since our nuclear reactors so far only work based on nuclear fission; we know we cause a chain reaction of fission starting with 1(maybe more) nuclear fission. A meltdown is when the chain reaction goes out of control, meaning more reactions are taking place than we can handle.

wolfe8 · Answer

It will therefore generate too much heat and cause a 'melt'down from overeheating. Refer to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_meltdown for a more reliable source.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you so much for all the help!!!! :)

wolfe8 · Answer

No problem :)

anonymous · Answer

Wait, I meant the process during the meltdown. :O

anonymous · Answer

@wolfe8

wolfe8 · Answer

Process? You mean what causes it or something?

anonymous · Answer

No, what is does during a meltdown.

wolfe8 · Answer

Hmm I'm not sure I understand what you're really asking for here. Basically, you are unable to contain the excessive energy produced. 

"A core melt accident occurs when the heat generated by a nuclear reactor exceeds the heat removed by the cooling systems to the point where at least one nuclear fuel element exceeds its melting point."

anonymous · Answer

Okay, thanks... :D

wolfe8 · Answer

I assumed since you were asking about bombarding a nucleus with alpha particle, you are studying nuclear stuff. That's why I told you about the nuclear fission.