Nuclear power is a type of energy. Some countries use it to make electricity to work lights and to power submarines. Nuclear power can also be used to make weapons and medicines. The energy is produced in a power station.
Energy makes things work.
Energy powers machines. There are many types of energy. Nuclear energy comes from certain types of atoms. When we burn fuels such as coal, gas and oil we produce heat energy. This can be used to make electricity. The sun’s energy makes plants grow.
We are surrounded by atoms.
Substances in the world around us, such as air and water, are made from tiny atoms. These can only be seen through very powerful microscopes. The main part of an atom is called a nucleus.
Nuclear energy comes from the force within an atom.
Each nucleus contains smaller parts called protons and neutrons. A nucleus is also surrounded by electrons. An incredibly strong force holds a nucleus together. When a neutron is used to split a nucleus into two, huge amounts of energy are released. This is called nuclear fission.
