The energy which comes from inside
uranium and thorium atoms is called atomic energy.It is a product of a chain reaction
of splitting
uranium and thorium atoms.To make these atoms split they are hit by very small nuclear particles called
neutrons. The first atom to split makes other atoms split. This is because the splitting atom throws out two or three more neutrons which, in turn, make other atoms split. This is called chain reaction.All this happens very quickly, and because energy is given out each time one of the stoms splits, the total amount of energy increases rapidly.This chain of reaction is controlled by the scientists for using atomic energy for peaceful purposes.
In order to control the chain reaction the scientists build a nuclear reactor.This contains rods of uranium metal separated from each other by other substances.These control the spread of the neutrons from the splitting uranium atoms in the rods.By using this process they control the chain reaction and make it work at a steady rate. One of the substances that is used between the uranium rods to make the neutrons travel more slowly is called a moderator.It is usually graphite,(pencil lead)or a special kind of water called heavy water.By moving control rods in and out of a reactor, they can therefore control the number of atoms that are splitting, and the amount of heat that is produced.
To use this heat for peaceful purposes, the scientists build a power station.In a nuclear power station water is turned into steam which, in turn, is made to turn a turbine, and through the turbine a generator, and electricity is produced in this way. This electicity is used for the benefit of the mankind.