I'll Take Nuclear for Two Hundred Please Alex

Someone, anyone please explain this to me.

I am learning, but it's obvious I cannot become a Nuclear Physicist overnight, especially because I don't know the difference between Nuculer (which I'm told is NOT a word, just a mispronunciation) and Nuclear. 

I've been listening to the news trying to explain this in simple terms.  I want to understand more, but I have no one to ask my questions.

God, please help those poor people in Japan.  I don't understand the havoc wreaked on this nation.  I know there is so much I cannot understand and as one faithful Japanese man put it, "This is a test of my faith."    Amen.