Nuclear fission is the process where the nucleus of a large atom splits into smaller, approximately same-sized nuclei after the absorption of a free neutron. The resulting products are more free neutrons, two smaller, stable nuclei and energy, in various forms including gamma radiation. Nuclear fission...

Nuclear fusion is a process by which the nuclei of lighter elements come together to form heavier elements. If the interacting nuclei are of elements with low atomic numbers then large quantities of energy are released. More energy is released per nuclear fusion reaction than for nuclear fission reactions....

The last year has seen many different challenges and issues with regard to nuclear energy, on economic, environmental, security and global levels. Non-proliferation has also been high on the agenda, as ever, with events in and around the Korean Peninsula keeping all sides, as well as the IAEA, concerned...

The whole function process of a nuclear reactor begins inside the core of the reactor itself. The central source of power is heat energy generated by a controlled chain reaction of nuclear fission, produced by either uranium or plutonium. Either of these elements when struck by a neutron will subsequently...

The origins of nuclear power can be traced back to the work of Ernest Rutherford, often referred to as the father of nuclear physics. Rutherford is credited with having split the atom in 1917, after which his research team made attempts to split atom nuclei artificially, using a particle accelerator. Development...