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In modern nuclear reactors, the primary process responsible for producing energy is fission. This process involves the splitting of heavy atomic nuclei, such as uranium-235 or plutonium-239, into smaller fragments after being bombarded by neutrons. When the nucleus splits, a significant amount of energy is released, which is harnessed to generate heat. This heat is then used to produce steam that drives turbines to generate electricity.

Fission is preferred in nuclear reactors because it can initiate a chain reaction, where the neutrons released from one fission event can induce further fission events in nearby nuclei, allowing for a controlled and sustained release of energy. The reactor's design incorporates safety features and control rods to manage this chain reaction effectively.

In contrast, fusion, which is the combining of light nuclei to form heavier nuclei, occurs naturally in stars and is not currently feasible for practical energy generation on Earth. Alpha decay and electron capture are types of radioactive decay processes that involve the transformation of atomic nuclei but do not release energy in a manner suitable for energy production in reactors. Thus, fission is the correct answer as it specifically describes the energy production method utilized in modern nuclear reactors.