Atoms
Atoms are the basic building blocks of matter that make up every object in
the universe. Atoms are made up of three major particles called protons,
neutrons and electrons. Nuclear energy is energy in the nucleus (core) of an
atom.
Image: digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
the universe. Atoms are made up of three major particles called protons,
neutrons and electrons. Nuclear energy is energy in the nucleus (core) of an
atom.
Image: digitalart/FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Nuclear energy
Nuclear power plants produce electricity through a heat-generating process known as fission in which neutrons split uranium atoms to produce large amounts of energy.
When a nucleus of uranium-235 is hit by a slow moving neutron, the nucleus can absorb the neutron and become so
unstable that it splits apart. More neutrons are released along with a burst of energy. This is called nuclear fission. When the neutrons from one nucleus collide and split the nuclei of atoms nearby, it is the beginning of a chain reaction. Energy stored inside the nucleus of atoms is called nuclear energy.
Nuclear energy is the most powerful source of energy we have. Nuclear energy is a non-renewable source of energy, but large amounts of energy can be made from very small amounts of fuel. One kilogram of uranium produces the same amount of energy as 25 tonnes of coal or 100 barrels of oil.
When a nucleus of uranium-235 is hit by a slow moving neutron, the nucleus can absorb the neutron and become so
unstable that it splits apart. More neutrons are released along with a burst of energy. This is called nuclear fission. When the neutrons from one nucleus collide and split the nuclei of atoms nearby, it is the beginning of a chain reaction. Energy stored inside the nucleus of atoms is called nuclear energy.
Nuclear energy is the most powerful source of energy we have. Nuclear energy is a non-renewable source of energy, but large amounts of energy can be made from very small amounts of fuel. One kilogram of uranium produces the same amount of energy as 25 tonnes of coal or 100 barrels of oil.