Atomic Energy

Atomic energy is energy produced by atoms. The term originated in 1903 when Ernest Rutherford began to speak of the possibility ofatomic energy.[1] The term was popularized by H. G. Wells in the phrase, "splitting the atom", devised at a time prior to the discovery of the nucleus. Atomic energy also may refer to: * Nuclear binding energy, the energy required to split a nucleus of an atom * Nuclear potential energy, the potential energy of the particles inside an atomic nucleus * Nuclear reaction, a process in which nuclei or nuclear particles interact, resulting in products different from the initial ones; see alsonuclear fission and nuclear fusion * Nuclear power, the use of sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity * Radioactive decay, the set of various processes by which unstable atomic nuclei (nuclides) emit subatomic particles * The energy of inter-atomic or chemical bonds, which holds atoms together in compounds

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an international organization that seeks to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and to inhibit its use for any military purpose, including nuclear weapons. The IAEA was established as an autonomous organization on 29 July 1957. Though established independently of the United Nationsthrough its own international treaty, the IAEA Statute,[1] the IAEA reports to both the UNGeneral Assembly and Security Council.
The IAEA has its headquarters in Vienna, Austria. The IAEA has two "Regional Safeguards Offices" which are located in Toronto, Canada, and in Tokyo, Japan. The IAEA also has two liaison offices which are located in New York City, United States, and in Geneva, Switzerland. In addition, the IAEA has three laboratories located in Vienna and Seibersdorf, Austria, and in Monaco.
The IAEA serves as an intergovernmental forum for scientific and technical cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear technology and nuclear power worldwide. The programs of