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Nuclear energy is held in the strong force holding the protons and neutrons together. There are two ways to release it:
- Fission of large nuclei into smaller ones - large nuclei (e.g. Uranium-235) are inherently unstable and when struck by a neutron split into two smaller nuclei (fission products - usually about 1/3 and 2/3 the original Atomic Mass) and 2 or 3 free neutrons plus the released nuclear energy as kinetic energy of these particles.
- Fusion of small nuclei into larger ones - small nuclei (e.g. Deuterium) are very stable, but when highly compressed and heated to millions of degrees, they will combine with each other releasing nuclear energy as kinetic energy of the product nuclei.
Elements in the middle (from iron to lead) cannot undergo either fusion or fission as they have no excess nuclear energy (you can think of them as nuclear "ash").
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What is the energy released when an atomic nucleus breaks apart?
it produces
This is also known as atomic energy?
The source of atomic energy is the "binding energy" that exists in the nucleus of all atoms. This is the energy that is contained in the union of the protons and neutrons of the nucleus. When the nucleus is split apart, the binding energy is released.
What is difference between atomic energy and nuclear energy?
Atomic energy is really a misnomer for nuclear energy. It is the fissioning of the nucleus which causes energy to be released. At the atomic level we are dealing with chemical reactions, but in the early days people did talk of atomic power and atomic bombs.
How do radioactive elements produce their own energy?
The energy released in a radioactive decay arises because the nucleus is moving from one energy level to a lower energy one. The link below gives a good outline explanation in the Explanation section.
Which has more potential energy an electron close to an atomic nucleus or one far from an atomic nucleus?
In general, electrons farther from the nucleus will have more energy than electrons closer in.
What is the energy released when an atomic nucleus breaks apart?
it produces
This is also known as atomic energy?
The source of atomic energy is the "binding energy" that exists in the nucleus of all atoms. This is the energy that is contained in the union of the protons and neutrons of the nucleus. When the nucleus is split apart, the binding energy is released.
What is difference between atomic energy and nuclear energy?
Atomic energy is really a misnomer for nuclear energy. It is the fissioning of the nucleus which causes energy to be released. At the atomic level we are dealing with chemical reactions, but in the early days people did talk of atomic power and atomic bombs.
Which part of atom take part in nuclear reaction?
A nuclear reaction involves changes in the nucleus of an atom, and it is from the atomic nucleus that energy is released in a nuclear reaction.
How is the atomic bomb nuclear?
It gets its energy from the atomic nucleus.
What is the definition of necular energy?
Atomic energy is released during a nuclear reaction during fission or fusion. It is released by the nucleus of an atom and can also be a result of radioactive decay.
How is energy distributed in an atom?
The important energy is in the atomic nucleus.
What is nuclear energy definition?
energy derived from the atomic nucleus
Were is nuclear energy found?
In the atomic nucleus.
How did nuclear powered energy get its name?
It takes its energy from the atomic nucleus.
Energy stored in the nucleus of an atom is called?
Energy that is stored in the nucleus of an atom is called Atomic Energy or nuclear energy.
How do radioactive elements produce their own energy?
The energy released in a radioactive decay arises because the nucleus is moving from one energy level to a lower energy one. The link below gives a good outline explanation in the Explanation section.
