reactor types (PWR, BWR)

A Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR) and a Boiling Water Reactor (BWR) are two common types of nuclear power plants. In a PWR, water is heated under high pressure in a separate loop, preventing it from boiling; the hot water then transfers heat to a secondary water cycle, producing steam to generate electricity. In a BWR, water directly boils inside the reactor vessel, creating steam that drives turbines immediately. Both use nuclear reactions to produce heat, but PWRs keep the water under pressure to prevent boiling, while BWRs allow water to boil within the reactor core.