Nuclear+Energy

Table of Contents

Nuclear energy is produced when the structure of the nuclei of an atom is changed. This process is both natural and man made. Nuclear energy is formed from a chain reaction.
=== N **eutrons are shot into a nucleus of an atom and as a result more neutrons come out and go into other nuclei. This is the chain reaction part that causes the high energy outputs that are used in a nuclear power plant and atomic bombs. ** === ===The element uranium is highly radioactive, so it is used as fuel in these reactions.This reaction causes energy and the goal of a nuclear power plant is to keep the reaction self-sustaining, so that the energy output is constant. There are two types of processes: fission and fusion. Fission is when the total mass of the products is less than the original mass of the heavy nucleus and the atom is split. Nuclear bombs and nuclear reactors use fission. As seen by the nuclear bomb, fission releases a high amount of energy. Fusion is when two light nuclei combine to form a heavier nucleus. Fusion only occurs in very high temperatures because it is needed to fuse two nuclei of an atom together. The problem with this form of energy is that it can be dangerous if not done correctly because uranium and some of its byproducts are highly radioactive. Radioactive materials cause cancer, so the people handling the materials must take the proper safety precautions.===



===There are both advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy. One advantage is that a well run and well operated nuclear power plant does not release dangerous or contaminating materials into the environment unlike coal and oil. Also, energy can still be produced after coal and oil are scarce. It is estimated that one ton of uranium produces more energy than several million tons of coal or several million barrels of oil. Along with the pros there are also some cons. For example, the advancement of nuclear energy has made the aspect and fear of nuclear warfare very realistic. There are enough nuclear weapons in the world to kill every person on Earth. Another risk is a nuclear power plant melting down and releasing radiation. Radiation is very harmful to the human body and kills cells resulting in illness or even death. Nuclear power plants produce nuclear waste that needs to be disposed of. The United States solves this problem by burying it in Nevada. Economically these power plants can be expensive because they only last forty to fifty years and in those years require a lot of upkeep.===

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===The world has been trying to find a way to use the cleaner and safer nuclear fusion reactions. The only problem with nuclear fusion is that the energy put into the molecules is less than what they give out. An illustration of nuclear fusion can be found below. Notice the two energy outputs from the molecules, which would be less than the energy put in.===

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===**Since the idea of nuclear warfare seems very realistic, the United States and the United Nations have taken steps to ensure that countries with nukes are being kept in check.The first treaty ever passed dealing with nuclear weapons was the Limited test ban treaty in 1963. This treaty prohibits nuclear testing under water, above ground, or in outer space, though testing can be done underground as long as the nuclear fallout doesn't spread too far. 116 countries have signed this treaty. In 1993 a treaty was passed that would limit both the United States' and Russia's nuclear warheads by 5,000. A treaty signed this past April will further reduce Russia and the United States' nuclear supplies once again. These treaties are passed to keep the public safe, and hopefully no nuclear weapons will ever be used again in battle. To see a complete list of treaties between 1963 and 1996, click here.**===