Nuclear Power Energy is produced when the nuclei of atoms are either split (fission) or united (fusion). Fission occurs when a heavy nucleus splits into two or more lighter segments. Fusion is the combining of two light nuclei to form a single, heavier nucleus. The energy released by the fission or the fusion of nuclei, in the form of heat, light, or other radiation, is called nuclear energy.

Pros Nuclear power plants produce electricity by splitting uranium atoms. No fuels are burned--and no pollutants are released into the environment. They cut America's demand for imported oil by nearly 100 million barrels a year--reducing our dependence on foreign oil suppliers and cutting our trade deficit.

Cons o Critics of nuclear power worry about the safety of nuclear plants, the potential damage from radiation exposure, the possibility of sabotage and unauthorized use of the by-product plutonium--the substance used to make nuclear bombs. Nuclear weapons facilities and nuclear power plants have been creating radioactive waste for decades. There is still no effective nuclear waste disposal procedure.

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U.S. One of every five American homes and businesses gets its electricity from a nuclear plant. Nuclear power is the only expandable, large-scale energy source that avoids air pollution and can meet the electricity demands of our growing economy. Nuclear plants do not emit carbon dioxide or other greenhouse gases linked to global warming. Based on 1999 figures, if nuclear plants had to be replaced with oil- or coal-burning plants, the U.S. would have to eliminate 135 million passenger cars (about half of all cars!) just to keep our carbon dioxide emissions at current levels.

references "nuclear energy." Compton's by Britannica. 2006: n.pag. SIRS Discoverer. Web. 03 Jan Peterson, Scott, and Kelly Kissock. "Nuclear Energy: Does It Make Sense for the Environment?." New York Times Upfront (Vol. 138, No. 3). Oct : 32. SIRS Discoverer. Web. 03 Jan "Nuclear Power...Can Produce Energy for Now--Contaminants for Thousands." SIRS Digests. Spring 1997: n.p. SIRS Discoverer. Web. 04 Jan "Nuclear Energy: What Has It Done for Us Lately?." Nuclear Energy: What Has It Done for Us Lately?. 2000: n.p. SIRS Discoverer. Web. 04 Jan m/ m/