Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is the form of energy released during nuclear reactions, particularly fission or fusion. In nuclear fission, the nucleus of an atom, usually uranium or plutonium, is split into smaller nuclei along with the release of a significant amount of energy, as well as neutrons. This process can be harnessed in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. Fusion, on the other hand, involves combining light atomic nuclei, such as hydrogen isotopes, to form a heavier nucleus, releasing energy in the process. While fusion occurs naturally in stars, including the sun, it has not yet been achieved for practical energy generation on Earth. Nuclear energy is regarded as a low-carbon energy source, as it produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuels. However, it also raises concerns regarding radioactive waste management, nuclear accidents, and proliferation of nuclear weapons.