2. Radiant Energy Radiant energy = electromagnetic (EM) waves.
EM radiation is waves of pure energy. This includes “types of light” such as:
Visible Light
Radio Waves
Ultraviolet Light
Microwaves

4. Dual-Nature of Electromagnetic Waves
EM waves have a “split-personality”
Physicists sometimes describe EM waves as pure energy
Other times scientists describe EM waves as being made of tiny particles
EM particles are tiny “packets of energy” that we call photons. EM waves move energy by sending photons from one place to another

6. Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy comes from individual atoms
Nuclear energy is held inside the nucleus of each atom.
Energy is released when the atom is split apart or combines with another atom

7. Chemical: The energy is stored between the atoms
Chemical: The energy is stored between the atoms. Notice the bonds that hold atoms together in a molecule of sugar. . .
Nuclear: The energy is stored inside each atom. Notice the force that binds the center of the atom together. . .

8. Meaning of the word “Nuclear”
Atoms are made up of even smaller pieces called subatomic particles
Electrons fly around the outside of the atom, while the center is made of larger particles called protons and neutrons
This center of the atom is called the nucleus. Nuclear energy comes from the forces that hold protons and neutrons together

10. Nuclear Fusion
Fusion is when 2 atoms combine their nuclei to create 1 larger atom.
When atoms combine, huge amounts of energy are released

12. Fusion occurs naturally inside stars
Since it takes so much force to start, nuclear fusion is difficult for humans to produce artificially
Fusion usually only takes place inside stars like our sun. This fusion is only possible because the strong gravity and heat of stars smash atoms together at very high speeds

14. Nuclear Fission
Fission is the opposite of Fusion. It happens when the nucleus of an atom splits into separate pieces
Fission requires less energy to start than fusion.
For that reason, there are many technologies based on nuclear fission

16. Technologies based on Nuclear Fission
Atomic weapons:
The nuclear bombs dropped on Japan at the end of World War II were based on fission
The energy of the bomb was released by splitting atoms of Uranium
Nuclear Power Plants:
Fission releases energy that can be used to make electricity

18. Atomic Bomb Animation