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Nuclear energy is a way to generate heat using the fission process of atoms. A nuclear power plant converts the heat into electricity. Cartoon figure asking 'What is Energy?'
Types of power plant fuel: coal, oil, and gas The main difference between a nuclear power plant and other kinds of power plants (coal, oil, gas) is that at a nuclear power plant, the heat used to make the steam is produced by fissioning atoms.
Fission is the splitting of atoms into smaller pieces, caused by neutrons hitting each other. These smaller pieces strike other atoms, releasing energy. When this process continues, it is called a chain reaction. Animation: a neutron causing a fission
Animation: the nuclear power production process When uranium - a nuclear material - is used as fuel in a nuclear power plant, the fission process creates heat, which boils the water, creating steam. The steam turns a turbine which is connected to a generator.

As the turbine spins, the generator turns, and its magnetic field produces electricity. The electricity can then be carried to your home, so you can do your homework on your computer, watch television, play video games, have a snack from your refrigerator, and make toast.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission regulates nuclear power plants and the use of nuclear materials in the United States to protect public health and safety and the environment. The NRC issues licenses for the use of nuclear material, then inspects those users to make sure they follow our rules for safety.

DID YOU KNOW?Animation: a dripping ice cream cone

Nuclear materials are used for many other things besides nuclear power

  • In nuclear medicine to detect and treat certain illnesses
  • To perform research at universities
  • In industry, to locate cracks in steel and eliminate dust from film and compact discs
  • To measure the amount of glue on a postage stamp and the amount of air whipped into ice cream, and for many other things

  Next Topic: Nuclear Reactors



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Last revised Thursday, July 31, 2003