All About Nuclear Energy
Fission, Fusion, the Future

Nuclear Energy At Work
Description: Nuclear Energy At Work
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Believe it or not, atoms, which make up everything around us, have incredible amounts of energy trapped within. We have taken advantage of this fact, and thus, nuclear energy was born. But how does all this energy come from something so small? The answer lies in the nucleus, or center, of the atom. When the nucleus is split apart, a vast amount of energy is released. There are two ways to split apart a nucleus, and both have completely different outcomes.
One: If you let out this energy slowly, you can control it and generate electricity.
Two: DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME! If you let this energy out tall at once, it will create a massive explosion – an atomic bomb. This is an example of nuclear energy being misused.
When the nucleus of an atom is split, it is called fission. Fission is done inside a reactor of a power plant.
Fusion is another way to produce nuclear energy. It is when you join nuclei (plural of nucleus) to make a larger nucleus. Given off in this fusion is energy for us to use. Although scientists have been having trouble learning how to control fusion in a contained space, fusion creates less radioactive material than fission, and its fuel supply can last even longer than the sun!
Some say that nuclear energy may be the energy of the future. Since fossil fuels will eventually run out, we need a back-up energy source soon. Nuclear energy may be a good alternative, although it still has its ups and downs.
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