Atomic Energy Definition

The term �atomic energy� has become a famous one in this modern world. To dig up the truths on atomic energy visit our page. More information regarding atomic energy is discussed here.

Atomic Energy Definition

  • Atomic energy is energy generated by carrying out controlled chemical reactions.
  • Atomic energy is one of the most sought after types of energy these days, as it is considered a substitute to the conventional sources of energy.
  • In simple ways, you can note that certain reactions like fusion and fission help in forming this atomic  energy.
  • Atomic energy is formed in a nuclear reactor, which is used to control chemical reactions.
  • Some of  the important definitions related to atomic energy are defined here:

Nuclear Fission

  • Nuclear fission is a process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei as fission products, and usually some by-product particles.
  • The by-products of nuclear fission include free neutrons, photons usually in the form gamma rays, and other nuclear fragments such as beta particles and alpha particles.

Isotope

Isotopes are forms of an element whose nuclei have the same atomic number–-the number of protons in the nucleus–but different mass numbers

Proton

The proton is a subatomic particle with an electric charge of one positive fundamental unit and a mass of 938.3 MeV/c2, or about 1836 times the mass

Radioactive decay

Radioactive decay is the set of various processes by which unstable atomic nuclei (nuclides) emit subatomic particles (radiation).

Potential energy

Potential energy is stored energy. Potential energy is the energy that exists by virtue of the relative positions (configurations) of the objects

Subatomic particle

A subatomic particle is a particle smaller than an atom: it may be elementary or composite.

Quantum number

A quantum number describes the energies of electrons in atoms. Each quantum number specifies the value of a conserved quantity

Hydrogen-like atom

Hydrogen-like atoms (or hydrogenic atoms) are atoms with one single electron.

Important events in history of atomic energy

  • In 1780 German scientist Martin Heinrich Klaproth discovers Uranium. That becomes the keystone of atomic energy.
  • In march 1986 French scientist Antoine Becquerel discovers radioactivity.
  • In 1934 Italian scientist Enrico Fermi shows that neutrons can split atoms.
  • In July 1939 Enrico Fermi and Leo Sziland propose a idea of nuclear reactor that uses Uranium fuel.
  • In December 1951, First electric energy from a nuclear power plant was produced in Arco,Idaho. It powers  four electric bulbs.
  • Finally world’s first commercial nuclear power plant opens in obninsk soviet union. It has 6 megawatt capacity.

Important uses of  Atomic energy

  • Atomic energy is used Food and Agriculture industries.
  • Atomic energy is used in major and minor surgies and plays an important role in Human Health
  • Atomic energy is used in Detecting Leaks in Pipelines
  • Atomic energy is used in the Determination of Age
  • Atomic energy is used in Use in Space
  • Atomic energy is used in Generating Electricity

Other types of Atomic Energy