Nuclear Energy

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What is nuclear energy?

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Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear fission or fusion, especially when used to generate electricity.

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What is fission?

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Fission is the process of splitting a large atomic nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy.

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What is fusion?

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Fusion is the process where two light atomic nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy.

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What is radioactive waste?

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Radioactive waste is material that contains radioactive substances and is a byproduct of nuclear reactions.

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What are the environmental impacts of nuclear energy?

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Nuclear energy does not produce air pollution or carbon dioxide, but it generates radioactive waste.

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What is a half-life?

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A half-life is the time required for half of the radioactive atoms in a sample to decay.

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What happens to the percentage of a parent isotope after one half-life?

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After one half-life, 50% of the parent isotope remains.

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What happens to the percentage of a parent isotope after two half-lives?

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After two half-lives, 25% of the parent isotope remains.

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What are some security concerns related to nuclear energy?

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Security concerns include the potential for nuclear proliferation and the risk of nuclear terrorism.

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What natural disasters can affect nuclear power plants?

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Natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes can pose risks to nuclear power plants.