Nuclear energy

Nuclear and other forms of alternative energy: a kidcyber weblinks page

Nuclear energy is created at power plants through a scientific process that involves splitting the nucleus of atoms. When this happens an enormous amount of energy is released. This kind of energy is used to create electricity by boiling water to create steam that turns turbines inside the power plant.

You can read about how this works here
http://www.kids.esdb.bg/uranium.html

The main problems with nuclear energy is radiation that is produced in the process, and the removal and disposal of the nuclear waste from the power plants. Radiation is harmful to people if they are exposed to high levels of it, and radiation in the waste stays harmful for thousands of years. Most countries where nuclear power is used have special regulations about the storage of the waste so it will not come in contact with the outside environment.

Here are some more sites with information about this topic

http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/basic-ref/students.html

http://www.eia.doe.gov/kids/energyfacts/sources/non-renewable/nuclear.html

http://www.factmonster.com/ipka/A0775713.html

For kidcyber pages about other alternative energy sources go to these pages renewable energy, solar energy, wind energy, hydro electricity

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