Science 101: What is Nuclear Energy?

Argonne’s Science 101 series takes you back to the basics, with plain-language explanations of the scientific concepts behind our pivotal discoveries and our biggest innovations.

In this part of our series, Roger Blomquist, a Principal Nuclear Engineer in the Nuclear Engineering Division, breaks down nuclear energy—the world’s largest and most reliable source of clean energy.

Tens of millions in America rely on nuclear energy each day to generate the electricity that power their homes. The process of converting nuclear energy into electricity begins in a nuclear reactor.

In a reactor, atoms of an element known as uranium split, creating heat. That heat is used to generate steam then the steam is used to turn a wind turbine, which in turn produces electricity.

Compared to the burning of fuels, the process for generating nuclear power does not release carbon dioxide, soot, or other harmful chemicals, making it a zero-emission energy source.

ABOUT ARGONNE
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation’s first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America’s scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit the Office of Science website.

[gregorysanders]

Wish it was me congratulations to Roger Blom. Thank you for your services!

[Bambi_Star]

I think I know how to use the ionosphere and can tell you how we can attenuate to the field. It’s not that hard.

the ozone thrusters China is working on I know what there doing wrong. I know how to fix it.

I want lots of money first

[JeffMcMahon]

"The only difference between a fossil-fuel plant like that, like a coal plant, and a nuclear plant is in the amount of emissions which are huge for a coal plant and basically almost zero for a nuclear power plant."

"The only difference"? 🤔