This booklet explains the basic technology of nuclear fission power reactors, the nuclear fuel cycle, and the role of nuclear energy as one of the domestic energy resources being developed to meet the national energy demand. Major topic areas discussed include: the role of nuclear power; the role of electricity; generating electricity with the atom; nuclear power and radiation; types of nuclear reactors (boiling-water, pressurized-water, and high temperature gas-cooled reactors); breeder reactors; nuclear fuel--mining to reactor; nuclear fuel--reactor to waste disposal; transporting radioactive materials; the economics of nuclear power; and nuclear electricity in other countries. A list of selected books, reports and articles, and films is included. (JN)