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Nuclear power plants use controlled atomic fission to generate electricity. Atoms of the fissile material are split and part of their mass is converted to energy in addition to neutrons being ejected from the nucleus. These neutrons impact other atoms within the fissile material which then release further energy and more neutrons. The reaction is controlled by absorbing most freed neutrons with material so an uncontrolled chain reaction doesn't occur like the atom bomb used in WWII. The energy released produces heat (and radiation) which heats liquid into steam turning turbines connected to electric generators to make electricity. The highly radioactive spent fuel is a dangerous waste product that must be warehoused for many lifetimes. Conversely, the simplest type of nuclear fusion, which may become a reality this century, converts hydrogen atoms into helium atoms and produces no radioactive waste products.

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Does nuclear fusion provides energy to green plants to grow?

No, nuclear fusion does not directly provide energy to green plants to grow. Green plants rely on photosynthesis, a process that converts sunlight into energy, to grow and produce food. Nuclear fusion is a process that occurs in stars and has the potential to provide a vast source of clean energy for human use.


What is the source of energy in nuclear power plants?

The source of energy in almost all nuclear power plants is fission or the splitting of the atom. There are a few experimental fusion power plants, (or the joining of the atoms), but, there are few of them, since the energy needed to produce fusion is extremly high, and only last a few seconds. Around 99.99% of nuclear power plants are fission power plants.


What energy is potential energy stored the nucleus of an atom?

The potential energy stored in the nucleus of an atom is called nuclear energy. This energy is released through processes such as nuclear fission or fusion. It is the source of energy in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.


What are two common sources of nuclear energy?

Two common sources of nuclear energy are nuclear fission, where atoms are split to release energy, and nuclear fusion, where atoms are combined to release energy. Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate electricity, while nuclear fusion is a process being researched as a potential future source of clean energy.


Which of the following is the main energy source for our sun?

Nuclear fusion is the source of the sun's energy.

Related Questions

How the sun provides chemical energy to people on earth?

The source of energy is the nuclear fusion.


Does nuclear fusion provides energy to green plants to grow?

No, nuclear fusion does not directly provide energy to green plants to grow. Green plants rely on photosynthesis, a process that converts sunlight into energy, to grow and produce food. Nuclear fusion is a process that occurs in stars and has the potential to provide a vast source of clean energy for human use.


Which nuclear reactions is the source of the sums energy?

Nuclear fusion


What is the source of energy in nuclear power plants?

The source of energy in almost all nuclear power plants is fission or the splitting of the atom. There are a few experimental fusion power plants, (or the joining of the atoms), but, there are few of them, since the energy needed to produce fusion is extremly high, and only last a few seconds. Around 99.99% of nuclear power plants are fission power plants.


What is the source of energy in a star?

nuclear fusion


What is the source of a star energy?

nuclear fusion


What energy is potential energy stored the nucleus of an atom?

The potential energy stored in the nucleus of an atom is called nuclear energy. This energy is released through processes such as nuclear fission or fusion. It is the source of energy in nuclear power plants and nuclear weapons.


What is the difference between nuclear fission and nuclear fusion?

Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy. Nuclear fusion is the combining of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing energy. Fission is used in nuclear power plants, while fusion is a potential source of clean energy for the future.


What are two common sources of nuclear energy?

Two common sources of nuclear energy are nuclear fission, where atoms are split to release energy, and nuclear fusion, where atoms are combined to release energy. Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate electricity, while nuclear fusion is a process being researched as a potential future source of clean energy.


Which of the following is the main energy source for our sun?

Nuclear fusion is the source of the sun's energy.


What is the source of stars energy?

Nuclear fusion, usually by fusing hydrogen-1 to helium-4.


What percent of the US' energy does nuclear fusion supply?

The nuclear fusion is not used now as a source of energy; probable possible in a far future.