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Glossary - Z

Zero Energy Experimental Pile

The 10-watt research reactor at Chalk River Laboratories. On September 5, 1945, ZEEP successfully achieved the first self-sustained nuclear reaction outside the United States.

Source: AECL

Zirconium

Zirconium is a metallic element with atomic number of 40. An alloy of zirconium known as Zircaloy is extensively used for the cladding of nuclear fuel elements and for pressure tubes for water-cooled reactors such as the CANDU reactor.

Source: AECL