The History of Nuclear Energy
Although they are tiny, atoms have a large amount
of energy holding their nuclei together. Certain
isotopes of some elements can be split and will release
part of their energy as heat. This splitting is called
fission. The heat released in fission can be used to
help generate electricity in powerplants.
Uranium-235 (U-235) is one of the isotopes that
fissions easily. During fission, U-235 atoms absorb
loose neutrons. This causes U-235 to become
unstable and split into two light atoms called fission
products.
Although they are tiny, atoms have a large amount
of energy holding their nuclei together. Certain
isotopes of some elements can be split and will release
part of their energy as heat. This splitting is called
fission. The heat released in fission can be used to
help generate electricity in powerplants.
Uranium-235 (U-235) is one of the isotopes that
fissions easily. During fission, U-235 atoms absorb
loose neutrons. This causes U-235 to become
unstable and split into two light atoms called fission
products.
