Nuclear energy

Nuclear energy

Nuclear binding energy is the energy required to split a nucleus of an atom into its component parts. The component parts are neutrons and protons, which are collectively called nucleons. The binding energy of nuclei is always a positive number, since all nuclei require net energy to separate them into individual protons and neutrons.

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Nuclear energy

pressurized water reactor (PWR)

Energy; Nuclear energy

A reactor designed in which water flowing through the reactor is heated by nuclear energy but is kept at high pressure to keep the water from boiling. This heated water then transfers its heat to a ...

atom

Energy; Nuclear energy

The basic building block of all matter. The smallest particle of an element that has the same properties as the element. It consists of a central core called the nucleus that is made up of protons ...

dry-cask storage

Energy; Nuclear energy

A method for storing spent fuel. Dry casks are large, rugged containers made of steel or steel-reinforced concrete, 18 or more inches thick. The casks use materials like steel, concrete and lead - ...

radiation

Energy; Nuclear energy

In nuclear energy jargon, "radiation" is often used as shorthand for "ionizing radiation": particles (alpha, beta, neutrons) or rays (gamma) emitted from the nucleus of an unstable radioactive atom ...

radon

Energy; Nuclear energy

A naturally occurring radioactive gas formed when the element radium decays.

reactor vessel

Energy; Nuclear energy

A device in which nuclear fission may be sustained and controlled in a self-supporting nuclear reaction. It houses the core (made up of fuel rods, control rods, and instruments contained within a ...