nucleare

Nucleare is the Italian adjective and noun used to refer to things relating to the nucleus of atoms and to processes and technologies that derive from it. The term derives from the Latin nucleus, meaning kernel or core, and has cognates in several languages, including French nucléaire and English nuclear. In common usage in Italian, nucleare accompanies nouns such as energia, fissione, fusione, radiologia, and armi.

In physics, nucleare concerns the atomic nucleus and the interactions that change it. The main processes are fission, in which a heavy nucleus splits to release energy, and fusion, where light nuclei join to form a heavier nucleus. Nuclear energy is produced primarily by controlled fission in power reactors, converting nuclear energy into heat and electricity. Weapons use fission or a combination of fission and fusion.

Applications extend beyond energy to medicine (radiopharmaceuticals, radiotherapy), industry (non-destructive testing, dating), and research. Nuclear science raises safety and environmental concerns, including radiation exposure, long-lived radioactive waste, and the risk of accidents. International frameworks, such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and non-proliferation treaties, govern safety, security, and non-proliferation.

Policy on nuclear energy varies by country. Some jurisdictions pursue it as a low-carbon option; others, often after public referenda, limit or phase out domestic programs. In Italy, a 1987 referendum halted further development of nuclear power, and no major plants have been brought into service since. The global landscape continues to evolve with advances in reactor technology and waste management.