Atomic energy: Difference between revisions
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'''Atomic energy''' is energy carried by [[atoms]]. The term originated in [[1903 in science|1903]] when [[ |
'''Atomic energy''' is energy carried by [[atoms]]. The term originated in [[1903 in science|1903]] when [[Ernest Rutherford]] began to speak of the possibility of ''atomic energy''.<ref name="Asimov, Isaac Page 125">[[Isaac Asimov]], ''Atom: Journey Across the Sub-Atomic Cosmos'', New York:1992 Plume, {{ISBN|0452268346}}, Page 125</ref> The term was popularized by [[H. G. Wells]] in the phrase, "splitting the atom", devised at a time prior to the discovery of the [[atomic nucleus|nucleus]]. Atomic energy may include: |
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*[[Nuclear binding energy]], the energy required to split a nucleus of an atom. |
*[[Nuclear binding energy]], the energy required to split a nucleus of an atom. |
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Revision as of 10:59, 31 May 2018
Atomic energy is energy carried by atoms. The term originated in 1903 when Ernest Rutherford began to speak of the possibility of atomic energy.[1] The term was popularized by H. G. Wells in the phrase, "splitting the atom", devised at a time prior to the discovery of the nucleus. Atomic energy may include:
- Nuclear binding energy, the energy required to split a nucleus of an atom.
- Nuclear potential energy, the potential energy of the particles inside an atomic nucleus.
- Nuclear reaction, a process in which nuclei or nuclear particles interact, resulting in products different from the initial ones; see also nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
- Radioactive decay, the set of various processes by which unstable atomic nuclei (nuclides) emit subatomic particles.
- The energy of inter-atomic or chemical bonds, which holds atoms together in compounds.
Atomic energy is the source of nuclear power, which uses sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity.
References
- ^ Isaac Asimov, Atom: Journey Across the Sub-Atomic Cosmos, New York:1992 Plume, ISBN 0452268346, Page 125