Final answer:
Atomic energy could be used to produce electricity in the future, according to President Truman. This indicates a recognition of the potential for nuclear power to be a beneficial source of energy, with nuclear fusion offering considerable advantages for sustainable energy and environmental impact. The correct option is (B)produce electricity.
Step-by-step explanation:
President Truman explains that, in the future, atomic energy could be used to produce electricity. The harnessing of atomic energy for non-destructive means, such as power generation, was envisioned as a potential benefit amid the fears of its use in warfare.
Nuclear power uses nuclear fission, as occurs in a nuclear reactor, to create energy. The hopes for atomic energy reflected a recognition of its dual nature; it could cause unparalleled destruction, as seen in the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and it could also provide a powerful source of energy that could mean less reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Moreover, the advancement of nuclear technology led to the possibility of nuclear fusion, which could potentially offer a sustainable energy source with a relatively small impact on the environment. This process involves the fusion of hydrogen isotopes, producing a substantial amount of energy and radioactive waste products that are comparatively short-lived. The transition from atomic energy primarily associated with destruction to a beneficial power source was a significant shift in thinking about the applications of nuclear technology.