Students' Corner Nuclear energy is a way to generate heat using the fission process of atoms. A nuclear power plant converts the heat into electricity.
Fission is the splitting of atoms into smaller pieces, caused by neutrons hitting each other.
These smaller pieces strike other atoms, releasing energy. When this process continues, it is called a chain reaction. The steam turns a turbine which is connected to a generator. As the turbine spins, the generator turns, and its magnetic field produces electricity. The electricity can then be carried to your home, so you can do your homework on your computer, watch television, play video games, have a snack from your refrigerator, and make toast.