ABSTRACT
Nuclear energy is energy that is obtained from the nucleus of an atom. The energy is released from an atom through one of two processes: (1) nuclear fusion or (2) nuclear ”ssion.
Energy is released in nuclear fusion when atoms are combined or fused together (fusion). This is how energy is generated in the sun. In nuclear Ÿssion, energy is released when atoms are split apart. Nuclear Ÿssion is the only method currently used by nuclear plants to generate electricity. However, the terms nuclear fusion and nuclear Ÿssion are referred to synonymously as nuclear energy. Both involve changes in (nuclear) mass.
