Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear fission or fusion reactions. In fission, the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a significant amount of energy, primarily used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity. Fusion, on the other hand, involves combining light atomic nuclei, such as hydrogen isotopes, to form a heavier nucleus, which also releases energy. Nuclear energy is considered a powerful energy source due to the large amounts of energy produced from relatively small amounts of fuel, such as uranium or plutonium. It has applications in electricity generation, naval propulsion, and medical treatments. However, it also raises concerns regarding radioactive waste, nuclear accidents, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons.