Electricity is an increasingly important part of our everyday lives. Its versatility allows one to heat, cool, and light homes; cook meals; watch television; listen to music; power computers; make medical diagnosis and treatment; explore the vastness of space; and study the tiniest molecules. Nuclear energy, second to coal, surpasses natural gas, oil, and hydroelectric power as an energy source for the production of electricity in the United States. With over 100 nuclear powerplants licensed for commercial operation, nuclear energy supplies over 16 percent of the electricity produced in the United States. Coal and nuclear energy are the two sources most capable of meeting increasing electrical needs of the United States in the foreseeable future. Provided in this pamphlet are answers to some frequently asked questions about nuclear energy to help in the understanding of this source of electricity. Sections included are: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Nuclear Power Basics"; (3) "Radiation"; (4) "Safety"; (5) "Nuclear Waste"; and (6) "The Future." Some of the questions addressed include: "What is nuclear energy?"; "Where does radiation come from?"; "How safe are nuclear powerplants?"; "What does the term 'meltdown' mean?"; "What is nuclear waste?"; "How does the United States dispose of nuclear waste?"; and "What is the future of nuclear energy?" (RT)