# data[].attributes.headline
Elastic energy is energy stored in an object due to a force that temporarily changes its shape, such as squashing or stretching

# data[].attributes.subject
Elastic energy is energy stored in an object due to a force that temporarily changes its shape, such as squashing or stretching

# data[].attributes.headline
Gravitational energy is the energy stored in an object due to its height above the Earth

# data[].attributes.subject
Gravitational energy is the energy stored in an object due to its height above the Earth

# data[].attributes.headline
Definition  - A kind of energy with the ability to make types of light visible to the human eyes

# data[].attributes.subject
Definition  - A kind of energy with the ability to make types of light visible to the human eyes

# data[].attributes.headline
Nuclear energy is a form of energy released from the nucleus, the core of atoms, made up of protons and neutrons. This source of energy can be produced in two ways: fission – when nuclei of atoms split into several parts – or fusion – when nuclei fuse together.

# data[].attributes.subject
Nuclear energy is a form of energy released from the nucleus, the core of atoms, made up of protons and neutrons. This source of energy can be produced in two ways: fission – when nuclei of atoms split into several parts – or fusion – when nuclei fuse together.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Andrea Galindo, IAEA Office of Public Information and Communication

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
What is Nuclear Energy? The Science of Nuclear Power

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Nuclear energy is a form of energy released from the nucleus, the core of atoms, made up of protons and neutrons.

# data[].attributes.headline
stars, light bulbs, lasers and hot objects 

# data[].attributes.subject
stars, light bulbs, lasers and hot objects 

# data[].attributes.body
chemical energy is the energy stored in the chemical atoms and bonds, molecules.

# data[].attributes.headline
This energy can be harnessed in two ways: nuclear fusion, where atoms combine to release energy (as in the sun), and nuclear fission, where atoms split to release energy (used in nuclear power plants).

# data[].attributes.subject
This energy can be harnessed in two ways: nuclear fusion, where atoms combine to release energy (as in the sun), and nuclear fission, where atoms split to release energy (used in nuclear power plants).

# data[].attributes.headline
Thermal energy is the energy is responsible for its temperature

# data[].attributes.subject
Thermal energy is the energy is responsible for its temperature

# data[].attributes.headline
Nuclear reactors use fission, or the splitting of atoms, to produce energy. Nuclear energy can also be produced through fusion, or joining (fusing) atoms together. The sun, for instance, is constantly undergoing nuclear fusion as hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium

# data[].attributes.subject
Nuclear reactors use fission, or the splitting of atoms, to produce energy. Nuclear energy can also be produced through fusion, or joining (fusing) atoms together. The sun, for instance, is constantly undergoing nuclear fusion as hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Act now! For Giving Tuesday, your gift to the National Geographic Society will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Make your tax-deductible contribution today and make TWICE the impact for Explorers working to preserve threatened species around the world.

Donate today!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The National Geographic Society is a global non-profit organization committed to exploring, illuminating, and protecting the wonder of our world.

# data[].attributes.body
ELCTRICAL ENERGY is a type of energy that is produced when charged particles like electrons travel. It is a kind of electricity that may be sent across wires and used to run electronics and home appliances.

# data[].attributes.body
Chemical energy is the energy of chemical substances that is released when the substances undergo a chemical reaction and transform into other substances. Some examples of storage media of chemical energy include batteries, food, and gasoline.

# data[].attributes.body
Sound is a type of energy that we can hear. It is made by the vibration of matter. Sound moves from the source of its vibration through other matter, like air or water.

# data[].attributes.body
Electrical energy is a type of kinetic energy caused by moving electric charges. The amount of energy depends on the speed of the charges – the faster they move, the more electrical energy they carry.

# data[].attributes.headline
Heat energy is the energy that is transported from one object to the other as a result of a difference in temperature, if two bodies of different temperature interact, energy is transferred. Example: Tea cup becomes hotter when a hot beverage is poured into it.

# data[].attributes.subject
Heat energy is the energy that is transported from one object to the other as a result of a difference in temperature, if two bodies of different temperature interact, energy is transferred. Example: Tea cup becomes hotter when a hot beverage is poured into it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Home Science Physics Matter & Energy
Table of Contents

also called: atomic energy ...(Show more)

This article was most recently revised and updated by

nuclear energy, also called atomic energy, energy that is released in significant amounts in processes that affect atomic nuclei, the dense cores of atoms. It is distinct from the energy of other atomic phenomena such as ordinary chemical reactions, which involve only the orbital electrons of atoms. One method of releasing nuclear energy is by controlled nuclear fission in devices called reactors, which now operate in many parts of the world for the production of electricity. Another method for obtaining nuclear energy, controlled nuclear fusion, holds promise but has not been perfected by 2020. Nuclear energy has been released explosively by both nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. See also nuclear power.

In nuclear fission the nucleus of an atom, such as that of uranium or plutonium. breaks up into two lighter nuclei of roughly equal mass. The process may take place spontaneously in some cases or may be induced by the excitation of the nucleus with a variety of particles (e.g., neutrons, protons, deuterons, or alpha particles) or with electromagnetic radiation in the form of gamma rays. In the fission process a large quantity of energy is released, radioactive products are formed, and several neutrons are emitted. These neutrons can induce fission in a nearby nucleus of fissionable material and release more neutrons that can repeat the sequence, causing a chain reaction in which a large number of nuclei undergo fission and an enormous amount of energy is released. If controlled in a nuclear reactor, such a chain reaction can provide power for society's benefit. If uncontrolled, as in the case of the so-called atomic bomb, it can lead to an explosion of awesome destructive force.

Nuclear fusion is the process by which nuclear reactions between light elements form heavier elements. In cases where the interacting nuclei belong to elements with low atomic numbers (e.g., hydrogen [atomic number 1] or its isotopes deuterium and tritium), substantial amounts of energy are released. The vast energy potential of nuclear fusion was first exploited in thermonuclear weapons, or hydrogen bombs, which were developed in the decade immediately following World War II. The potential peaceful applications of nuclear fusion, especially in view of the essentially limitless supply of fusion fuel on Earth, have encouraged an immense effort to harness this process for the production of power. Although practical fusion reactors have not been built yet, the necessary conditions of plasma temperature and heat insulation have been largely achieved, suggesting that fusion energy for electric-power production is now a serious possibility. Commercial fusion reactors promise an inexhaustible source of electricity for countries worldwide.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Melissa Petruzzello.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Nuclear energy | Definition, Sources, Uses, & Facts

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Nuclear energy, energy that is released in significant amounts in processes that affect atomic nuclei, the dense cores of atoms. One method of releasing nuclear energy is by controlled nuclear fission, used in nuclear power plants around the world. Another method, controlled nuclear fusion, has not yet been perfected.

# data[].attributes.body
Speaking, playing the guitar, hitting something, dropping stuff, splashing water