Nuclear energy

Definition

Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear reactions, either fission or fusion, where atomic nuclei are split or combined. It can be harnessed for power generation and other applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nuclear energy results from changes in an atom's nucleus, typically through fission (splitting of heavy nuclei) or fusion (combining light nuclei).
2. The binding energy per nucleon is a key concept that determines the stability of a nucleus and the amount of energy released during nuclear reactions.
3. In nuclear fission, heavy elements like uranium-235 or plutonium-239 are commonly used as fuel to release large amounts of energy.
4. Nuclear power plants convert nuclear energy into electrical energy through controlled chain reactions in a reactor core.
5. The concept of mass-energy equivalence ($E=mc^2$) explains how a small amount of mass can be converted into a large amount of energy during nuclear reactions.

Review Questions

• What is the main difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?
• How does the binding energy per nucleon relate to the stability of a nucleus?
• Explain how $E=mc^2$ applies to nuclear reactions.

Related terms

Fission: The process in which a heavy atomic nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the release of energy.

Fusion: The process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy.

$E=mc^2$: Einstein's mass-energy equivalence formula stating that mass can be converted into energy and vice versa.