Nuclear energy is considered a mineral based energy source. From which radioactive minerals is nuclear energy primarily derived for power generation?

Introduction / Context:
Nuclear energy is an important non conventional source of power used for electricity generation in many countries, including India. It is called a mineral based source because it depends on radioactive minerals that are mined from the earth. This question checks whether the learner can correctly identify the key nuclear fuels used in reactors, such as uranium, thorium, and plutonium, and recognise that more than one mineral contributes to nuclear power.

Given Data / Assumptions:
Nuclear energy is described as a mineral based energy source.We are given three radioactive minerals as separate options: uranium, thorium, and plutonium.One option states that all of these minerals are sources of nuclear energy.We assume modern nuclear technology where different isotopes of these elements are used as fuels.

Concept / Approach:
Nuclear power plants generate energy through nuclear fission, in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts and releases a large amount of energy. The most common fuel is uranium, particularly uranium 235. Thorium is another fertile material that can be converted into fissile uranium 233 in breeder reactors. Plutonium, especially plutonium 239, is also used as a fissile fuel in certain reactor designs and in mixed oxide fuel. Since all three minerals mentioned in the options are either used directly as nuclear fuels or are important in the fuel cycle, the correct conceptual answer is that nuclear energy is derived from all of them.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that uranium is the most widely used nuclear fuel in conventional reactors.Step 2: Remember that thorium is abundant in countries like India and can be converted into fissile material in advanced reactors.Step 3: Note that plutonium is produced in reactors and is also used as a nuclear fuel, especially in mixed oxide fuel.Step 4: Recognise that the question asks from which minerals nuclear energy is derived, not just the single most common one.Step 5: Since all three minerals listed can contribute to nuclear power, select the option that includes all of them together.

Verification / Alternative check:
We can verify this answer by recalling standard descriptions of nuclear energy in school level geography and science textbooks as well as in competitive exam guides. They usually state that important minerals for nuclear power are uranium, thorium, and plutonium. India in particular is known for its large thorium reserves along the coastal sands, while uranium and plutonium are emphasised globally. This multiple source description confirms that the most accurate choice is the combined option, not any single mineral alone.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Uranium: Although uranium is the most widely used fuel today, the question refers to nuclear energy as a mineral based source in general, which also includes thorium and plutonium.Thorium: Thorium is important, especially for India's three stage nuclear programme, but it is not the only mineral based source of nuclear energy.Plutonium: Plutonium is a man made radioactive element produced in reactors and used in certain fuels, but choosing only plutonium ignores uranium and thorium.

Common Pitfalls:
Many students select uranium alone because it is the most familiar name from school science. Others may focus on thorium due to news about Indian thorium reserves. However, exam questions often test whether candidates understand the broader set of nuclear fuels rather than just one example. Ignoring the option that groups all correct elements together is a common mistake when students rush through the question without careful reading.

Final Answer:
Nuclear energy as a mineral based energy source is primarily derived from all of these, namely uranium, thorium, and plutonium.