Nuclear energy is generated by

Nuclear energy is generated through nuclear reactions, primarily nuclear fission and nuclear fusion [1]. In nuclear fission, a heavy nucleus like uranium-235 is split into smaller nuclei, releasing a tremendous amount of energy [3]. In nuclear fusion, light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus, also releasing energy [4]. The fundamental expression governing the amount of energy released in these processes is the mass-energy equivalence formula, E=mc², which was proposed by Albert Einstein in 1905 [2][3]. This equation explains that the 'lost' mass during these reactions is converted into energy [4]. While Ernest Rutherford is considered the father of nuclear science for his work on atomic structure and the first artificial nuclear transmutation, the specific mathematical expression for the energy released (E=mc²) is attributed to Einstein [2]. Therefore, nuclear energy generation is fundamentally linked to Einstein's expression.

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 9: Distribution of World Natural Resources > nucleaR eneRgy. > p. 23
2. [3] https://www.osti.gov/opennet/manhattan-project-history/Science/NuclearPhysics/e-mc-2.html
3. [4] https://www.energy.gov/science/doe-explainsfusion-reactions
4. [2] https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/history-nuclear-energy