Nuclear Energy

Real World Example

Imagine trying to open a tightly sealed jar of pickles; when you finally succeed, there's a sudden release of pressure. Similarly, nuclear energy involves the release of energy when the nuclei of atoms are split (like opening the jar) or combined. Just as the pressure build-up in the jar is released and can knock the lid off with force, the energy stored in atomic nuclei is unleashed when they're split apart or fused together, powering everything from electricity plants to the sun itself.