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Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is an important aspect within the realm of physics. It result from either splitting or merging together the nuclei of atoms. In the former situation, it is known as fission. In the latter, it is called fusion.

When it comes to nuclear energy for power plant purposes, atomic nuclei are also involved. Again, the extracted energy is taken through controlled nuclear reactions. Today, only nuclear fission (the aforementioned splitting) is the only method of creating a usable option. In the future, fusion and radioactive decay may prove to be additional options.

Nuclear energy provided 2.1% of the world's energy in 2005. At this same time, it also provided 15% of the world's electricity. 56.5% of this electricity can be accounted to France, Japan, and the U.S. This was according to the International Energy Agency's Kew World Energy Statistics of 2007.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) reported that, as of 2007, there were 439 nuclear power reactors operating globally. These reactors were spread between 31 countries.

 

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