Nuclear energy primarily uses which material for fuel?

Nuclear energy primarily relies on uranium as its fuel source due to its unique properties that enable nuclear fission. In this process, uranium atoms are split apart, releasing a significant amount of energy in the form of heat. This heat is then used to generate steam, which drives turbines to produce electricity.

Uranium is an ideal choice because it has a high atomic mass and is capable of sustaining a fission chain reaction. The isotopes used in nuclear reactors, such as uranium-235, have the ability to capture neutrons and continue the fission process, making uranium a highly efficient fuel.

Other materials listed, like aluminum and copper, do not have the necessary nuclear properties to facilitate fission. They are primarily used for different industrial purposes, such as construction and electrical wiring, rather than as energy sources. Coal, on the other hand, is a fossil fuel used in thermal power plants but does not involve nuclear reactions.