Final answer:
Nuclear energy is generated through a process called nuclear fission where the nucleus of a large, unstable atom is split, releasing a large amount of energy. This occurs in a nuclear reactor and the energy released is used to heat water, creating steam that drives turbines to generate electricity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nuclear energy is generated in a process called nuclear fission. In this process, the nucleus of a large and unstable atom, such as uranium or plutonium, is split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a vast amount of energy. This is done in a nuclear reactor.
The reactor houses the nuclear fuel (usually uranium or plutonium), which is arranged in such a manner to ensure a sustained and controlled nuclear reaction. In this nuclear reaction, the nucleus of the fuel atom is bombarded with a neutron, which splits the nucleus, releasing energy and more neutrons. These newly released neutrons then go on to strike other nuclei, causing a chain reaction.
The energy that is released from this process is in the form of heat, which is used to heat water and turn it into steam. The steam then turns the turbines, which generates electricity.
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