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Atomic energy
The energy that is released through a nuclear reaction or radioactive decay process. One kind of nuclear reaction is fission, which occurs in a nuclear reactor and releases energy, usually in the form of heat and radiation. In a nuclear power plant, this heat is used to boil water to produce steam that can be used to drive large turbines. The turbines drive generators to produce electrical power.
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, August 11, 2026