nuclear power source crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on "nuclear power source crossword clue," you're in the right place. Below, you'll find all possible solutions, categorized by letter count, along with helpful explanations to boost your crossword-solving prowess.
Solutions for "nuclear power source crossword clue" by Letter Count
6 Letters
FUSION: The nuclear process where two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing a tremendous amount of energy; the process powering stars and a future power source.
7 Letters
FISSION: The nuclear process in which a heavy nucleus splits into two lighter nuclei, releasing energy, which is the basis for most current nuclear power.
REACTOR: The primary component of a nuclear power plant where controlled nuclear chain reactions occur to generate heat.
URANIUM: The heavy metallic element most commonly used as fuel in nuclear reactors due to its fissile isotopes.
More About "nuclear power source crossword clue"
When "nuclear power source" appears in a crossword, it typically refers to the mechanism or fuel that generates energy via nuclear reactions. The most common answers revolve around the two main types of nuclear processes: fission and fusion, or the physical apparatus where fission occurs, a reactor. Sometimes, the clue might point to the specific fuel, such as Uranium.
Understanding the distinction between these terms can be key to solving the puzzle. Fission is the process currently used in nuclear power plants worldwide, involving the splitting of atoms. Fusion, on the other hand, is the process that powers the sun and is a promising, yet still experimental, future energy source. Recognizing these nuances helps in selecting the correct answer based on the clue's subtle hints and the available letter count.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Scientific Terminology: Many clues related to science, especially physics or chemistry, will often have direct scientific terms as answers. Think broadly about the field.
- Check for Process vs. Object: Is the clue asking for the method (like FISSION or FUSION) or the physical device (like REACTOR) or even the material (like URANIUM)? This distinction is crucial.
- Utilize Cross-References: Don't forget to use intersecting words. Even if you're stuck on "nuclear power source," solving a crossing clue might give you a letter or two, narrowing down the possibilities significantly.
- Think about Letter Count First: Before diving deep, see how many letters are available. This can immediately rule out many potential answers. For example, if it's a 6-letter word, FUSION is a strong candidate, but REACTOR (7 letters) is not.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary nuclear power source used in reactors today?
The primary nuclear power source used in most commercial reactors today is nuclear fission, where heavy atomic nuclei like Uranium-235 are split to release energy.
Are there common alternative answers for 'nuclear power source' in crosswords?
Yes, besides 'REACTOR' or 'FISSION', you might also encounter 'FUSION' (referring to the process powering the sun, a future power source) or 'URANIUM' (the fuel source itself), depending on the clue's nuance and letter count.
How can clue length help identify a nuclear power source answer?
The length of the answer is a crucial hint. For example, 'REACTOR' and 'FISSION' are 7 letters, while 'FUSION' is 6 letters. Knowing common lengths for these terms can quickly narrow down possibilities.