DuckstersDucksters
History Biography Geography Science Games

Science >> Physics for Kids

Physics for Kids

Nuclear Energy and Fission

Nuclear energy is the energy stored inside an atom by the forces that hold together the nucleus of the atom. Scientists have learned how to capture large amounts of energy from these forces that can then be used to generate electricity.

E = mc2

When working on his theory of relativity, Albert Einstein discovered the mathematical formula E = mc2. This formula demonstrated that matter could be converted into energy. Although this sounds like a simple concept, it demonstrated that a large amount of energy could be generated from a very small amount of matter. This could be done by splitting an atom in a process called nuclear fission.

Nuclear Fission

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting of a large atom into two or more smaller atoms. When an atom is split a huge amount of energy is released. When the energy is released in a slow controlled manner, it can be used to generate electricity to power our homes. When the energy is released all at once, a chain reaction occurs causing a nuclear explosion.

Drawing of a Nuclear Reaction
A Nuclear Fission Reaction
Source: US NRC

Nuclear Power Plants

One of the major applications for nuclear fission is nuclear power. Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate heat. They use this heat to create steam from water which, in turn, powers electrical generators.

Around twenty percent of the electricity in the United States is generated by nuclear power plants. There are 104 commercial nuclear generating units in the U.S.

Nuclear power plants use the element uranium as fuel. Control rods of uranium are used to make sure that the chain reaction of atoms splitting proceeds at a controlled pace.

Picture of a Nuclear Power Plant
The TVA Watts Bar Nuclear Power Plant
Source: US DOE

Radioactive Waste

One of the byproducts of nuclear energy is radioactive waste. This is leftover material from the nuclear reaction. Radioactive material can be dangerous to humans and animal life.

Other Uses of Nuclear Power

Nuclear power has other applications in addition to power plants. One application is nuclear propulsion in ships and submarines. Nuclear powered submarines can stay under water and travel at high speeds for a long time. Nuclear power has also been used in naval ships, ships used for breaking ice in the polar seas, and space ships.


These ships of the U.S. Navy are nuclear powered
Source: US Navy

Nuclear Fusion

Another form of nuclear energy is nuclear fusion. Fusion occurs when two or more atoms are joined together to make a larger atom. Stars get their power from nuclear fusion. Deep inside a star, hydrogen atoms are constantly being converted by fusion into helium atoms. It's this process that generates the light and heat energy given off by the stars including the Sun.

Scientists have not figured out how to control fusion to create usable energy. If they could it would be great news as fusion produces less radioactive material and would give us a virtually unlimited supply of energy.

Interesting Facts about Nuclear Energy and Fission
Activities

Nuclear Physics and Relativity Subjects
Atom
Elements
Periodic Table
Radioactivity
Theory of Relativity
Relativity - Light and Time
Elementary Particles - Quarks
Nuclear Energy and Fission

Science >> Physics for Kids


Ducksters Footer Gif with Ducks


About Ducksters Privacy Policy 

 

This site is a product of TSI (Technological Solutions, Inc.), Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use.