atomic energy
Splitting atoms' yield
Atomic energy is energy released by changes in atomic nuclei—through fission (splitting heavy atoms like uranium), fusion (combining light atoms like hydrogen), or radioactive decay.
The term gained prominence in the mid-20th century with nuclear weapons and power plants: the Atomic Energy Commission, peaceful uses of atomic energy.
Now often replaced by *nuclear energy* in technical contexts, though atomic persists in older names and general usage.
- fissionNuclear breakup releasing energy
- reactorControlled fission apparatus
- fuel rodsEncased fissile material tubes
- uraniumElement ninety-two
- Manhattan ProjectClandestine atomic weapons program
meltdown · chain reaction · plutonium · control rods · critical mass · E=mc² · centrifuge · Chernobyl · nuclear fusion · half-life · Three Mile Island · Oppenheimer · cold war · fallout shelter · nuclear winter · enriched uranium · gamma rays · nuclear power
- energyelectricity, power, oil, fuel, gas
- atomic physicsatoms, electron, neutron, proton, nucleus
- Nuclearnuclear reactor, uranium, nuclear fusion, nuclear power, reactors
- nuclear energynuclear power, nuclear reactors, nuclear fission, nuclear fusion, uranium
- Nuclear Powernuclear reactors, nuclear plants, nuclear fuel, nuclear waste, uranium
- nuclear sciencenuclear fission, nuclear physics, nuclear fusion, radiation, nuclear fuel
atomic energyfossil fuel
Energy from decomposed organisms
coal power · oil · natural gas · petroleum · solar energy
atomic energymanual labor
Work done bodily
muscle power · firewood · water wheel · windmill · draft animals
atomic energyclean energy
Power from sustainable sources
green energy · sustainable energy · renewable energy · solar power · wind energy
energy, energetic, atom, energize, atomic, energizing, energized, energetically, energizer