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A nuclear fission reactor harnesses the energy released during the splitting, or fission, of atomic nuclei. This process is central to the production of nuclear energy. In the core of the reactor, fuel rods containing fissile material, such as Uranium-235, undergo controlled nuclear reactions.
Nuclear reactors are designed with safety, stability, and efficiency in mind. They contain a moderator, usually water or graphite, which slows down the neutrons generated during fission, making it more likely for them to interact with other fuel atoms and sustain the chain reaction. Additionally, control rods can absorb excess neutrons, thus regulating the reaction rate.
In the grand scheme of things, the conversion of the nuclear energy released into electricity is the primary function of a nuclear reactor. The heat generated from the fission process is used to convert water into steam, which then drives turbines connected to generators.

Uranium-235 is a naturally occurring isotope and a common fuel in nuclear reactors due to its ability to easily undergo fission. When a free neutron strikes an atom of Uranium-235, it is absorbed and temporarily creates a more unstable, heavier isotope which then rapidly splits into smaller, lighter elements in a process known as a nuclear reaction.
During this reaction, a significant amount of energy is released in the form of heat and radiation, along with more neutrons. These additional neutrons can then go on to initiate further fission reactions in a sustainable and controlled manner, known as a chain reaction.
The products of a Uranium-235 fission reaction often include isotopes such as Barium-141 and Krypton-92, but the specific products can vary. Importantly, the reaction also releases more neutrons, which are essential for the reactor to continue operating.

Balancing a nuclear equation is essential to ensure that the principles of conservation of mass and energy are maintained. In the context of a nuclear fission reaction, the sum of the atomic numbers and the sum of the mass numbers must be the same on both sides of the equation.
For example, after a Uranium-235 nucleus absorbs a neutron and fissions, the atomic numbers and mass numbers of the products must add up to 92 and 236 (the original mass number of Uranium-235 plus the absorbed neutron), respectively.
Balancing nuclear equations involves careful attention to both the particles involved in the reaction and the atomic and mass numbers. The objective is to account for all the reactants and products, ensuring that no atoms are lost or gained in the process. This conservation is fundamental to obeying the laws of physics in nuclear chemistry.