How does nuclear power actually generate electricity?

The answer

Nuclear power plants split heavy atoms (usually uranium-235) in a process called fission, releasing enormous amounts of heat. This heat boils water into steam, which spins turbines connected to generators - the same basic principle as a coal plant, just with a far more potent fuel source. One kilogram of uranium produces roughly the same energy as 16,000 kilograms of coal. Modern reactors include multiple redundant safety systems, but challenges remain around waste storage (spent fuel remains radioactive for thousands of years) and high construction costs.