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What is nuclear energy?
One type of nuclear energy is made by fission. In this process a heavy atom, such as uranium, splits into two smaller fragments after being hit by an incoming neutron, releasing large amounts of energy. Particles produced at the same time cause more fission in a chain reaction. The energy of nuclear fusion, which takes place in the sun, is released when lighter atoms join to form heavier ones.
A chain reaction occurs when particles released by one atom splitting go on to split others. This is nuclear fission.
A chain reaction occurs when particles released by one atom splitting go on to split others. This is nuclear fission.
 
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