Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy, also known as atomic energy, is the powerful energy released during the splitting or fusion of atomic nuclei. Many uses have been found for this energy, including the production of electricity and nuclear weapons.
All matter is composed of atoms. The nucleus, which makes up most of the mass of every atom, is held together by an extremely strong force. A huge amount of energy is concentrated in the nucleus because of this force.
Fission and fusion are the two basic types of nuclear reactions. Fission reaction consist of splitting apart a nucleus to produces energy. This process is the most commonly used because it can be better controlled. Fusion reaction consist joining two nuclei. Great amount of heat is required for this process.
Electrical Energy
The energy released by the nucleus creates large amounts of heat. This heat can be used to make steam, and the steam can be used to generate electrical energy.
Of all the electricity generating methods, nuclear is the cleanest and least damaging to our environment. This is true from mining of the uranium ore to final disposal of the wastes. There is no combustion. Since the energy released from splitting the uranium atom is so much greater than the energy released from combustion, the amount of land, materials, and fuel used, and wastes produced, are very much smaller.
Fission and fusion are the two basic types of nuclear reactions. Fission reaction consist of splitting apart a nucleus to produces energy. This process is the most commonly used because it can be better controlled. Fusion reaction consist joining two nuclei. Great amount of heat is required for this process.
Sources
http://www-formal.stanford.edu/jmc/progress/nuclear-faq.html