Section 2:  Nuclear Energy

Chapter 17 Section 2 Presentation
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Key Terms:

• nuclear energy
• nuclear fission
  
• ​nuclear fusion
  

Main Ideas:

• Nuclear energy is energy that exists within the nucleus of an atom.  When uranium nuclei are bombarded with neutrons, they undergo fission and release large amounts of energy.
• In a nuclear power station, the heat generated by fission is used to heat water to form steam.  The steam drives turbines that generate electricity.
• The main advantages of nuclear power are that the fuel is compact and the power stations generally do not pollute.  The main disadvantage is that nuclear power produces radioactive waste, which will be dangerous for centuries.