In basic physics, the energy that is obtained from changes within the nuclei of atoms, such as fission or fusion processes, is known as which type of energy?

Introduction / Context:
Atoms consist of a nucleus made of protons and neutrons, surrounded by electrons. Most ordinary energy transformations in chemistry involve electrons and chemical bonds. However, there is a much larger store of energy bound up in the nucleus itself. When nuclear reactions occur, such as fission in nuclear reactors or fusion in stars, this nuclear binding energy can be released. The question asks you to identify the correct name for energy obtained from atoms in this nuclear sense, which is a foundational concept in modern physics and energy studies.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The energy comes from processes occurring within atomic nuclei.
• Examples include nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
• We distinguish this from energy coming from electrons or chemical bonds.
• Options include solar, thermal, nuclear, and chemical energy.

Concept / Approach:
Nuclear energy is defined as the energy released during nuclear reactions, which involve changes in the composition of the nucleus. In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus splits into smaller nuclei, releasing energy. In nuclear fusion, light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing energy. This energy comes from a small loss of mass, converted into energy according to Einstein's equation E = m * c^2. Solar energy, on the other hand, is the energy received from the sun at the earth's surface and is itself produced by nuclear fusion in the sun's core. Chemical energy arises from rearrangements of electrons in atoms and molecules, not from changes in the nucleus.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify that the question specifically mentions energy obtained from atoms, particularly from processes like fission and fusion in their nuclei.Step 2: Recall that such processes are nuclear reactions, involving protons and neutrons in the nucleus rather than electrons.Step 3: Recognise that the term used for energy released in nuclear reactions is nuclear energy.Step 4: Differentiate this from solar energy, which is nuclear energy from the sun observed as radiation, and from chemical energy, which is associated with bonds between atoms.Step 5: Conclude that nuclear energy is the correct term for energy obtained from atoms via nuclear processes.

Verification / Alternative check:
Examples help verify this conclusion. Nuclear power plants use controlled nuclear fission of uranium 235 or plutonium to generate heat, which is then converted to electricity. This is called nuclear energy. Atomic bombs and hydrogen bombs also release massive amounts of nuclear energy in an uncontrolled manner. In contrast, burning coal or gasoline releases chemical energy stored in molecular bonds. Solar panels capture solar energy, which originally comes from nuclear fusion reactions in the sun but is not directly referred to as nuclear energy at the point of use. These distinctions in terminology confirm that energy obtained from changes in atomic nuclei is properly called nuclear energy.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Solar energy, option A, refers to the electromagnetic radiation from the sun reaching the earth. While it originates from nuclear fusion, the term used at the earth's surface is solar, not nuclear, energy. Heat or thermal energy, option B, describes energy associated with random motion of particles and can come from many sources, not specifically from nuclear processes. Chemical energy, option D, arises from the arrangement and bonds of electrons in atoms and molecules, not from the nucleus. Only option C, nuclear energy, correctly names the energy released directly from atomic nuclei in fission and fusion.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse the source with the manifestation of energy. For example, the heat produced in a nuclear reactor is thermal energy, but its origin is nuclear. Another pitfall is associating atomic energy solely with bombs, forgetting peaceful applications in power generation and medicine. To answer conceptual questions correctly, focus on where the energy originates at the microscopic level: if it comes from changing nuclei, it is nuclear energy; if it comes from changing electron configurations, it is chemical energy.

Final Answer:
Nuclear energy