Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is the amount of energy trapped inside each atom. Nuclear fission, the splitting apart of the nucleus of an atom, releases energy. When this energy is contained, it is able to convert to electricity and other various forms of accessible energy. In nuclear power plants, fission occurs in uranium atoms. A chain reaction can occur when particles from the splitting of one uranium nuclei go off and strike other uranium atoms. If this is not contained, it can create an atomic bomb. Fission occurs in nuclear power plants. The opposite of fission is nuclear fusion, the fusing together of the smaller part of the nuclei of an atom to make a larger nucleus. The sun uses nuclear fusion of hydrogen and helium atoms which gives off heat, light, and other radiation. Scientists have yet been able to completely control nuclear fusion. Fusion is much safer and creates less radioactive material than fission. And once we are able to contain it we will have created a supply of fuel that will last longer than the sun. Information from http://www.energyquest.ca.gov/story/chapter13.html.