Ace the NES Elementary Education Subtest 2 in 2026 – Unleash Your Teaching Superpowers!

Nuclear energy is the form of energy that is related to the processes of combining or splitting atomic nuclei. When atomic nuclei undergo fission (the splitting of a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei) or fusion (the combining of light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus), a significant amount of energy is released. This energy is harnessed in nuclear power plants, where it can be converted into electrical energy to power homes and industries.

In contrast, thermal energy pertains to the heat produced by the movement of atoms and molecules, while kinetic energy refers to the energy of motion. Electrical energy involves the flow of electricity through conductors. Although these other types of energy are important in various technological and natural processes, they do not specifically relate to the alterations of atomic nuclei that define nuclear energy.