An accident that results when the temperature in the core of a nuclear reactor increases enough to melt the nuclear fuel and breach the containment vessel is a nuclear meltdown.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This is the correct definition of a nuclear meltdown. When the fuel rods inside the core of a nuclear reactor overheat and melt, it can release radioactive materials into the surrounding area, and breach the containment vessel meant to prevent this from happening.

An Accident That Results When the Temperature in the Core