Nuclear Energy : Definition, Reactions and Uses

Nuclear energy

The energy that is present in the core of an atom is called nuclear energy. Every matter in the universe is made up of a tiny particle called an atom. The mass is concentrated in the center of the atom’s nucleus. Two sub-atomic particles called protons and neutrons make up the nucleus. A large amount of energy is present in the bonds holding the atom together. There are two main types of nuclear reactions. The reactions are fission and fusion. Fission and fusion both release energy. Atoms combine to form a bigger atom in nuclear fusion. The atom splits into smaller pieces in the process of nuclear fusion, releasing energy. Energy is produced by the process of nuclear fusion in nuclear power plants.

Nuclear reactions

Changes in the nucleus take place in nuclear reactions, which causes the atom to change. One element is converted to a different element by nuclear reactions. When any other type of particle reacts with a nucleus and gets separated without changing the properties of other nuclei, this process is called nuclear scattering and not a nuclear reaction. This does not indicate that it is a nuclear decay.

Uses of nuclear energy

It is used for various purposes. Nuclear medicine, nuclear technology, agricultural purposes, environmental uses, medical treatments and diagnosis, biological experiments, engineering projects, scientific investigations, and nuclear activation analysis.