Expository Essay on Nuclear Energy

Expository Essay on Nuclear Energy

The Fundamentals of Nuclear Fission and Energy Production

Nuclear energy is the energy contained within the nucleus, or core, of an atom. Atoms are the tiny particles that make up every object in the universe, and the bonds that hold their nuclei together contain a massive amount of potential energy. To harness this energy for electricity, power plants utilize a process known as nuclear fission. In this process, the nucleus of a heavy atom, typically uranium-235, is struck by a neutron. This collision causes the nucleus to split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of heat and additional neutrons. These released neutrons then go on to strike other uranium atoms, creating a self sustaining chain reaction.