Nuclear Energy
Latest about Nuclear Energy
![Inside the JET tokamak](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/D2BM4SWUjJn4nBHX2SDVT6-320-80.png)
Nuclear fusion reactor in UK sets new world record for energy output
By Joanna Thompson published
The JET nuclear fusion reactor in the UK has set a new world record for total energy output. However, the reactor's record-smashing test will be its last.
![The nuclear bomb attack against Nagasaki, Japan on Aug. 8, 1945.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SFNAEe2dpAaUwj5w9h3cc7-320-80.jpg)
What is fission?
By Nola Taylor Redd, Tia Ghose last updated
Fission is the process by which an atom splits into two, generating two smaller atoms and a tremendous amount of energy. Fission powers nuclear bombs and power plants.
![The damaged Chernobyl nuclear power plant: a group of ruined and damaged gray, green and white buildings](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/quot7kNm69aWtc7RqkU5xE-320-80.jpg)
Chernobyl: The world's worst nuclear disaster
By Marc Lallanilla published
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant explosion resulted in the most horrific nuclear disaster in the world.
![Person wearing a yellow biohazard suit in a decontamination shower against an industrial background.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/58tYBVtrzgtK9e6t6q3ZRo-320-80.jpg)
How do you decontaminate objects exposed to radioactivity?
By Joanna Thompson published
Can a person or object exposed to high radioactivity just take a shower with soap and water, or is more needed for decontamination?
![NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured this image of a solar flare — as seen in the bright flash on the top right — on Oct. 2, 2022. The image shows a subset of extreme ultraviolet light that highlights the extremely hot material in flares and which is colorized in orange.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/k5SyxoUqNhTQwvuWdkHR9G-320-80.jpg)
What is nuclear fusion?
By Nola Taylor Redd, Tia Ghose published
Nuclear fusion is the merging of two light atomic nuclei into one heavier one. If it can be harnessed on Earth, it could generate clean, limitless energy.
![The Chernobyl plant has been captured for nearly 3 weeks.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tesHFLZ8R6tRd5wYH4KJ3S-320-80.jpg)
Chernobyl plant loses electricity again
By Ben Turner published
Ukrainian officials blame the power cut on Russian troops
![Chernobyl nuclear reactors.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/pyuMw27rKxuEuS5A26UsAj-320-80.jpg)
Chernobyl nuclear power plant has lost electricity
By Ben Turner published
Chernobyl's nuclear power plant is now without electricity, as Russian forces occupy the defunct facility in Ukraine.
![A screenshot from the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant's livestream during a fire following fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rt7AhNwGynm7f8qDemRMVJ-320-80.jpg)
Ukrainian nuclear plant set on fire. Should we worry about another Chernobyl?
By Ben Turner published
Russian troops have seized and set fire to Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. Here's what that means in terms of radiation.
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