electricity is produced by

an atom that has an equal number of neutrons and protons.

generates radioactive waste

- many steps require fossil fuels (mining and disposal)

- expensive initial investment

- uncertainty of risk

less of an immediate environmental impact than fossil fuels

- no air pollution

- less disturbing to land than fossil fuels

- extremely efficient

energy released by nuclear fission or fusion

splitting of an atomic nucleus into two smaller fragments, accompanied by the release of large amounts of energy

joining of two lightweight atomic nuclei into a single, heavier nucleus, accompanied by the release of large amounts of energy

at high temperatures the metal encasing the uranium fuel can melt, releasing radiation; probability is low

emission of energetic particles or rays from unstable atomic nuclei, during breakdown of that nucleus

an unstable isotope with excess energy, always emitting energy

low-level: radioactive solids, liquids, or gasses that give off small amounts of ionizing radiation