The nuclear difference: since nuclear fuel is a million times more energy dense than fossil fuel – we produce a million times more waste products from coal compared to nuclear energy
1. Mass of the two fission products is less than the mass of the 235U nucleus
2. ~30 picojoules (30pJ or 30 x 10 -12J) is released per fission of 235U
3. 2-3 neutrons are released per fission that can go on and split further 235U atoms
4. Fission products obtain kinetic energy (from Coulomb forces moving them apart), which is turned into heat when they comes to halt in surrounding material
The "dual" use of nuclear energy - Controlled chain reactions in nuclear reactors for generating electricity, Uncontrolled chain reactions nuclear bombs – very explosive (nuclear fuel contains 90% 235U)