What is Nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy is the use of nuclear reactions to produce heat. It is a clean and renewable source of energy, and it does not involve the emission of any greenhouse gases or other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Nuclear energy is produced by causing a substance that contains nuclear radiation to undergo nuclear fission, which happens when a neutrally charged atomic nucleus splits into smaller nuclei. This process, when controlled and moderated, emits heat, or thermal energy in the form of movement or heat.
Nuclear energy is the energy released in fissionable materials when they are split. The resulting fast neutrons, if allowed to enter a nearby material, can cause a chain reaction that heats up and transmutes the material. This phenomenon is called nuclear fission.
Nuclear energy is both a source of heat for our homes and a source of electricity generation – but only if we have the right reactor technology. In a nuclear reactor, you can use the pressure of nuclear fission to generate heat to keep your home warm or turn an electrical generator on. The fuel of a nuclear reactor is composed of isotopes that are only found in natural uranium, making it almost impossible to find naturally occurring uranium in anything other than ore. Fortunately, exploration and mining are well advanced in the U.S., and Australia has several significant reserves of uranium that could power generations of solar power plants.
How nuclear energy works
Nuclear energy is the power source that heats our homes, heats our water and even powers much of our electrical grid. Learn more about how nuclear energy works with this infographic.
Nuclear energy works by converting hydrogen into a highly energetic state, releasing an equal amount of energy in the form of light and heat. The reaction occurs when hydrogen nuclei are converted into positively-charged protons and neutrons. This reaction is extremely exothermic, releasing an enormous amount of heat in the form of radiation - therefore nuclear energy is one of the most efficient ways to produce large quantities of heat and electricity at once.
Nuclear reactors are complex machines that can heat water to generate steam, which in turn spins turbines to generate electricity. The core of a reactor is made up of fissioned fuel that causes nuclear reactions to occur when it is hit by neutrons. During the reaction, fast-moving neutrons hit the uranium and fission into separate pieces that split into bare nuclei and free neutrons, called alpha particles. The freed neutrons speed along until they come in contact with another fuel element, like graphite or plutonium, causing more fissions and more energy released.
Nuclear fission is the process by which a large atomic nucleus splits apart into smaller fragments. This produces energy and releases radiation as the fragments bounce back and forth between neighboring atoms. The nuclear reaction also creates neutrons, which are then absorbed by material in their path, causing further fission. The result is a chain reaction, where more neutrons are absorbed and this process can continue until all carbon atoms in the fuel have been transformed into uranium-235.
Nuclear energy used in these field
Nuclear energy can be used in any field that has a lot of energy, but it's most often used in the field of heat and power.
Nuclear energy uses the power of subatomic particles. Scientists use their knowledge of nuclear particle behavior to create energy in only a fraction of a second. The idea behind nuclear power is that it is the ultimate sustainable option for creating energy, since there will be no emissions, and therefore virtually no greenhouse gases produced during operation. In a nutshell
Nuclear power is the energy produced by nuclear fission reactions. This is a reaction that splits a heavy atom into two lighter atoms, releasing large amounts of energy.
Nuclear fission is a chain reaction that occurs when fuel undergoes spontaneous fission. It is the process by which a heavy nucleus breaks into smaller nuclei. The resulting fragments are free neutrons and free protons, which can release energy in the form of gamma rays, neutrons, and heat.
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