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Nuclear energy is one of several named forms of energy discussed alongside mechanical energy. How does nuclear energy arise, according to its description?
AFrom the random thermal motion of atoms and molecules
BFrom electromagnetic radiation traveling through space
CFrom processes that convert measurable amounts of mass into energy
DFrom the flow of electric charge through a circuit
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. From processes that convert measurable amounts of mass into energy
1. Nuclear energy is described as coming from processes that convert measurable amounts of mass into energy.
2. This mass-to-energy conversion happens through the fusion of light nuclei or the fission of heavy nuclei.
3. Random thermal motion of atoms and molecules is instead the source of thermal energy, and electromagnetic radiation traveling through space is radiant energy, both separate forms.
4. The flow of electric charge through a circuit is electrical energy, another distinct form, not nuclear energy.
_Source: OpenStax College Physics (CC BY 4.0), Ch 7 "Work, Energy, and Energy Resources", section 7.6 Conservation of Energy_
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