Question

Nuclear energy in power plants is created via ________.

A) extraction of energy from the nucleus of cells
B) bombarding radioactive elements with electrons
C) fissioning uranium atoms by bombarding them with neutrons
D) fusion of electrons
E) ionic transformation of atoms

Answer 1

Nuclear energy in power plants is generated through option c) fissioning uranium atoms by bombarding them with neutrons, which initiates a chain reaction that releases heat and energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nuclear energy in power plants is created via c) fissioning uranium atoms by bombarding them with neutrons.

This process involves the controlled splitting of heavy atomic nuclei into lighter nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy. Nuclear fission is used in nuclear reactors to generate electrical power, where neutrons are injected into uranium-235 nuclei, initiating the chain reaction necessary to harness nuclear energy. The large nuclei of elements like uranium and plutonium break apart, emitting heat and high energy radiation. Furthermore, a chain reaction is maintained by the neutrons that are released during this fission process.