Home > Science Fact Finder > Energy - What Is Nuclear Energy?

1. Printable Version
2. Download PDF
3. Cite this Page

What is nuclear energy?

Nuclear energy is energy derived from a type of nuclear reaction called fission. Fission occurs when neutrons strike and split the nuclei of certain isotopes of uranium, for instance uranium-235 (isotopes are defined by the total number of protons and neutrons in an atom). When a uranium nucleus is split, it releases the following: neutrons, two or more lighter nuclei, and a large amount of energy. Neutrons are involved in both sides of the fission equation—they are used to initiate fission and are by-products of fission. This recycling of neutrons creates what is known as a "chain-reaction" and drives the fission reaction until the uranium runs out.

Nuclear power plants, in use since 1957, are facilities where the energy released by fission is harnessed. This energy is used to boil water, which creates steam. The steam, in turn, spins a turbine (a machine that converts the kinetic energy of moving...

Join eNotes

The above is a free excerpt. Get total access to this content with the:

eNotes Pass

1. Consumption And Conservation
   1. Does the United States currently produce enough energy to meet its consumption needs?
   2. How much energy is saved by raising the setting for a home air conditioner?
   3. Which countries consume the most energy?
   4. How much water does an average person use each day?
   5. What does the term "cooling degree day" mean?
   6. How much energy is saved by recycling one aluminum can?
   7. What is the advantage of switching from incandescent to fluorescent light bulbs?
   8. How much money can be saved by lowering the setting on a home furnace thermostat?
2. Fossil Fuels
   1. Why are coal, oil, and natural gas called fossil fuels?
   2. How is a "heating degree day" defined?
   3. How and when was coal formed?
   4. What types of coal are there?
   5. What is a "miner's canary"?
   6. How is underground coal mined?
   7. When was the first oil well in the United States drilled?
   8. Why was lead added to gasoline and why is lead-free gasoline used in new cars?
   9. When did gasoline stations open?
   10. What are the main components of motor vehicle exhaust?
   11. How is gasohol made?
   12. How does driving speed affect gas mileage for most automobiles?
   13. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the alternatives to gasoline to power automobiles?
3. Alternative Energy
   1. What is alternative energy?
   2. There are three types of primary energy that flow continuously on or to the surface of the Earth. What are they?
   3. What is the difference between passive solar energy systems and active solar energy systems?
   4. What is biomass energy?
4. Nuclear Energy
   1. What is nuclear energy?
   2. How many nuclear power plants are there worldwide?
   3. What is the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?
   4. What is the Rasmussen Report?
   5. What is a meltdown?
   6. Where did the expression "China Syndrome" originate?
   7. Which nuclear reactors have had accidents?
   8. What caused the Chernobyl accident?
   9. What was the distribution of radioactive fallout after the Chernobyl accident?
   10. What actually happened at Three Mile Island?
   11. How is nuclear waste stored?