Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is energy that comes from the nucleus, or center, of an atom. When atoms are split, or fission, a large amount of energy is released.

A nuclear reactor is a system of equipment that contains and controls a fission reaction. Heat generated in the reactor is used to boil water to make steam. This steam turns a turbine connected to a generator. The spinning of the generator creates electricity.

More than 100 nuclear power plants provide about 20 percent of America's electricity, second only to coal.

Nuclear energy is used to administer medical treatments; test new medicines; detect flaws in aircraft; irradiate bacteria, parasites and insects in food; power space satellites; and generate electricity.