Kenya is gearing towards nuclear power to boost the national grid. Kenya has for a long time relied on hydroelectric power and geothermal power. But recently, the government is also investing in solar power and wind energy. While solar power is tapped from the sun using solar panels, hydro-electric power is harnessed from water which is used to run turbines. What many may not know is how nuclear energy is harnessed and where exactly does the energy come from.
Nuclear power is got from nucleus. For starters, nucleus is the core of an atom. Atoms are the building blocks (smallest unit) of matter. Matter is anything that occupies space and has weight.The atom contains three elements: the positive protons (P), the negative electrons (e) and the neutral Neutrons (N).Protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus while electrons are found in the nucleus. Electrons are free to move. They are therefore available for bonding.
One nucleus can combine with another nucleus in a process known as nuclear fusion. This process releases a lot of energy in form of gamma rays, beta particles and alpha particles. The energy produced during nuclear fusion can be harnessed to produce nuclear energy (power).
One nucleus can also be split into tiny particles in a process known as nuclear fission. This too is also a process that releases beta particles, alpha particles and gamma rays. This energy produced during nuclear fission and nuclear fusion can be harnessed to produce nuclear power.