How Does Nuclear Energy Work?

1 min read

Nuclear energy is the energy in the nucleus (core) of atoms. Atoms are very small items that compose all matter in the universe. The dense nucleus is held together by energy which has a large amount of power. Before nuclear energy can be used to generate electricity, it must be freed from atoms.

There are two chemical reactions which create nuclear energy:

1.     Nuclear fusion – atoms join together.

2.     Nuclear fission – atoms are split apart.

Since nuclear power plants are not equipped to fabricate nuclear energy through nuclear fusion safely and reliably, we have to rely on nuclear fission only. The nuclear fission process goes as follows: 

After this, the converting process occurs as follows:

Nuclear energy is capable of producing clean, emission-free power, however the nuclear reactions do leave radioactive waste, such as uranium pellets. The waste can be tremendously toxic and remains radioactive for thousands of years. Governments and regulatory bodies monitor how nuclear waste is gotten rid of to prevent radioactive contamination.

What do you think of nuclear energy? Do you think it is clean enough? Do you think the world should be using more of it? Share your thoughts by replying to this email!

For more information on nuclear power, or any other energy related articles, view the blog posts on my website and be sure to open my weekly emails every Tuesday at 9am CAT.

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