The idea of nuclear energy can be a difficult concept to grasp. However, the basics of getting electricity from nuclear energy can be simplified for better understanding. Basically, nuclear energy is the specific energy which is located in the core (the nucleus) of an atom.

Most people remember learning how atoms are the tiny particles of matter which make up all things in the universe. The energy found in the core (nuclear energy) can be utilized as electricity, if it’s released properly.

There are two main ways to release energy from atoms: nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. During nuclear fusion, the energy is released because atoms are combined or fused together (forming a larger atom). The sun produces energy with nuclear fusion processes.

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting atoms apart to form smaller atoms, which also releases energy. This type of energy release is used at nuclear power plants to produce electricity.

About 19 percent of the American electricity is generated at nuclear power plants. According to a study done in 2007, there are 66 nuclear power plants in the United States. Traditional power plants use the burning of fuel to produce energy.

However, nuclear power plants use any heat given off during nuclear fission as their “fuel” for power. The fission process takes place in the power plant’s reactor.

Most environmentalists are very interested in converting all power plants to nuclear power plants, as the process is more Earth-friendly. It is expected many power plants will convert to nuclear power in the next fifteen years, as a result.