👉 The term "nuclear" refers to the atomic structure and properties of atoms made up solely of protons, neutrons, and electrons. These particles are the building blocks of matter and are essential for the basic functions of life on Earth. Nuclear reactions occur when atoms combine with each other or with another atom to form new compounds. For example, the process of nuclear fusion occurs when two or more hydrogen nuclei fuse together to form helium-4 atoms, which then undergo a chain reaction that generates