Can a Nuclear Reactor Melt Down Like Chernobyl?

💡 The Answer

• A meltdown occurs when reactor fuel overheats and loses its structural integrity.
• The Chernobyl disaster was caused by a positive void coefficient that increased reactivity with steam.
• Modern reactors have passive safety systems that automatically cool the core without power.
• Although meltdowns are extremely rare, they can release radioactive material if containment fails.