Atoms are the smallest part of every element in nature that retain the chemical properties of the element and were long thought to be indivisible. The use of nuclear energy stems from the possibility of utilising the powerful energies present in the nuclei of atoms. Nuclear energy can be produced either by nuclear fission (separation of the nuclei of heavy radioactive elements) or by fusion (joining of nuclei of light elements). Of the two reactions, fission is the only one that is feasible and controllable by man, with the necessary technical precautions related to accident prevention and radioactive waste management.
