<human>:  How do nuclear reactors work?
<bot>: Nuclear reactors use a process called nuclear fission to generate heat energy. In nuclear fission, atoms of a heavy element, such as uranium, are split apart. This causes the atoms to release particles and energy in the form of heat and radiation. This heat energy is then used to produce steam, which can power turbines to generate electricity. In order to control the amount of heat produced, the reactor will contain control rods that absorb neutrons and slow down the fission reaction.