CBSE Class 10 Answered

Hi Sunil,

Nuclear energy is generated in a process called nuclear fission. In this process, the nucleus of a heavy atom can be split into lighter nuclei when bombarded with low-energy neutrons. This releases a large amount of energy due to mass defect. Mass defect occurs because the mass of original (parent) nuclei is slightly greater than the sum of the masses of product (daughter) nuclei. The fission of one uranium atom releases approximately 10 times the energy released by combustion of one atom of carbon in coal. A nuclear power plant produces electricity with the help of nuclear fuel through a self-sustaining fission chain reaction that releases energy at a controlled rate. In nuclear fission, the difference in mass, m, between the original nucleus and the product nuclei gets converted to energy E at a rate governed by Einstein’s equation E = mc². The major hazard of nuclear power is storage and disposal of used fuel. Improper storage and disposal of nuclear waste result in environmental contamination. Nuclear radiation can also leak from the reactors.