Final answer:
Nuclear power is used for electricity generation in nuclear power plants and has significant applications in medical diagnostics and treatment through nuclear medicine. It also has a role in scientific research, industrial applications, and agriculture.
Step-by-step explanation:
Applications of Nuclear Power
Nuclear power is utilized in several key areas beyond the well-known application of electricity generation. In the medical field, nuclear technology plays a critical role in both diagnostics and treatment. Nuclear medicine is one area where radioactivity is used for diagnostic tests such as bone scans, which can detect cancer, and therapies such as radioiodine treatments for certain illnesses. Other important uses of nuclear technology include scientific research, industrial processes, and agriculture. For instance, controlled nuclear reactions in nuclear power plants are used to generate electricity. About 19% of the world's electricity is produced by nuclear power, obtained mainly through nuclear fission of elements like uranium and plutonium. Lastly, while not currently a practical source of power, generating electricity from nuclear fusion is a focus of international research, offering hope for a future energy solution.
Based on the information provided, nuclear power is not just used for generating electricity but also has significant applications in medical treatments, scanning technologies, and other fields that contribute to modern life.