Читать книгу Encyclopedia of Renewable Energy - James Speight G., James G. Speight - Страница 116

Atomic energy (or, more correctly, nuclear energy) is a term that represents the energy with an atom and includes (i) nuclear binding energy, (ii) nuclear potential energy, (iii) nuclear reaction, which is a process in which nuclei or nuclear particles interact, resulting in products different from the initial ones, (iv) radioactive decay which is a descriptor for the various processes by which unstable atomic nuclei (nuclides) emit subatomic particles, and (iv) the energy of inter-atomic or chemical bonds, which holds atoms together in compounds.

Atomic energy is the source of nuclear power which uses sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity. It is also the source of the explosive force of an atomic bomb. The energy originates from the splitting of uranium atoms (nuclear fission) which generates heat to produce steam, which is used by a turbine generator to generate electricity. Because nuclear power plants do not burn fuel, they do not produce greenhouse gas emissions but, caution is advised, and although the risk of accidents in nuclear power plants is low, the consequences of an accident can be drastic and highly detrimental to the surrounding flora and fauna (including human life).

See also: Nuclear Energy, Nuclear Fission, Nuclear Fusion.