Which process produces energy in nuclear power plants?

Nuclear power plants primarily produce energy through the process of nuclear fission. In this process, the nucleus of a heavy atom, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, is split into two or more smaller nuclei, along with a few neutrons and a large amount of energy. This release of energy occurs because the total mass of the resulting particles is less than the original mass of the nucleus; according to Einstein's equation (E=mc^2), this mass difference is converted into energy.

During fission, the released neutrons can initiate further fission reactions, leading to a chain reaction. This process generates heat, which is used to produce steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. This controlled chain reaction is the fundamental mechanism that allows nuclear power plants to produce large amounts of electricity efficiently.

In contrast, nuclear fusion—where light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus—occurs in stars, including the sun, and is not currently a viable method for generating power on Earth. Electromagnetic radiation and thermal conduction do not produce energy in the context of nuclear reactors: electromagnetic radiation refers to the energy emitted in the form of waves (like light), while thermal conduction involves the transfer of heat through materials. Therefore, fission