Radiant Energy Radiant energy = electromagnetic (EM) waves. EM radiation is waves of pure energy. This includes “types of light” such as: Visible Light Radio Waves Ultraviolet Light Microwaves

Dual-Nature of Electromagnetic Waves EM waves have a “split-personality” Physicists sometimes describe EM waves as pure energy Other times scientists describe EM waves as being made of tiny particles EM particles are tiny “packets of energy” that we call photons. EM waves move energy by sending photons from one place to another

Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy comes from individual atoms Nuclear energy is held inside the nucleus of each atom. Energy is released when the atom is split apart or combines with another atom

Chemical: The energy is stored between the atoms Chemical: The energy is stored between the atoms. Notice the bonds that hold atoms together in a molecule of sugar. . . Nuclear: The energy is stored inside each atom. Notice the force that binds the center of the atom together. . .

Meaning of the word “Nuclear” Atoms are made up of even smaller pieces called subatomic particles Electrons fly around the outside of the atom, while the center is made of larger particles called protons and neutrons This center of the atom is called the nucleus. Nuclear energy comes from the forces that hold protons and neutrons together

Nuclear Fusion Fusion is when 2 atoms combine their nuclei to create 1 larger atom. When atoms combine, huge amounts of energy are released

Fusion occurs naturally inside stars Since it takes so much force to start, nuclear fusion is difficult for humans to produce artificially Fusion usually only takes place inside stars like our sun. This fusion is only possible because the strong gravity and heat of stars smash atoms together at very high speeds

Nuclear Fission Fission is the opposite of Fusion. It happens when the nucleus of an atom splits into separate pieces Fission requires less energy to start than fusion. For that reason, there are many technologies based on nuclear fission

Technologies based on Nuclear Fission Atomic weapons: The nuclear bombs dropped on Japan at the end of World War II were based on fission The energy of the bomb was released by splitting atoms of Uranium Nuclear Power Plants: Fission releases energy that can be used to make electricity

Atomic Bomb Animation