Nuclear energy is energy produced from reactions involving the nuclei of atoms. Nuclear energy generated for conversion to electricity is primarily heat energy. All nuclear energy generated today is produced from a process called fission, which involves the splitting of the nucleus of a heavy atom (a uranium atom, for example) into two or more lighter nuclei. The fission process isn't what produces electricity. Instead, this process produces massive amounts of heat which is used to create steam. The steam drives large turbines which rotate electrical generators to produce electricity. The process is virtually identical to energy production from combustible fuels such as coal and natural gas, except that nuclear energy produces steam in a different way.

Atomic power and nuclear power are often used interchangeably. Nuclear power is widely accepted as the more accurate term since the reactions which produce energy involve the nucleus of the atom.

Nuclear reactors produce radioactive waste but little or no air pollution. Efficient nuclear plants will reuse the steam left over from energy production to heat municipal, agricultural or commercial structures in the surrounding area, a process called cogeneration. In most cases, the only alternative would be to dump the heated water into local water supplies, which can elevate temperatures in surrounding habitats and adversely affect biological balance.

See also: