Everything around us is made up of tiny objects called atoms. Most of the mass of each atom is concentrated in the center (which is called the nucleus), and the rest of the mass is in the cloud of electrons surrounding the nucleus. Protons and neutrons are subatomic particles that comprise the nucleus.
Under certain circumstances, the nucleus of a very large atom can split in two. In this process, a certain amount of the large atom’s mass is converted to pure energy following Einstein’s famous formula E = MC2, where M is the small amount of mass and C is the speed of Light (a very large number). In the 1930s and ’40s, humans discovered this energy and recognized its potential as a weapon. Technology developed in the Manhattan Project successfully used this energy in a chain reaction to create nuclear bombs. Soon after World War II ended, the newfound energy source found a home in the propulsion of the nuclear navy, providing submarines with engines that could run for over a year without refueling. This technology was quickly transferred to the public sector, where commercial power Plants were developed and deployed to produce electricity.
Nuclear energy is energy in the nucleus (core) of an atom. Atoms are tiny particles that make up every object in the universe. There is enormous energy in the Bonds that hold atoms together. Nuclear energy can be used to make electricity. But first the energy must be released. It can be released from atoms in two ways: nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. In nuclear fusion, energy is released when atoms are combined or fused together to form a larger atom. This is how the sun produces energy. In nuclear fission, atoms are split apart to form smaller atoms, releasing energy. Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to produce electricity.
Nuclear fission
Nuclear fission is a nuclear reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts (lighter nuclei). The fission process often produces free neutrons and photons (in the form of gamma rays), and releases a large amount of energy. In Nuclear physics, nuclear fission is either a nuclear reaction or a radioactive decay process.
In nuclear fission the nucleus of an atom breaks up into two lighter nuclei. The process may take place spontaneously in some cases or may be induced by the excitation of the nucleus with a variety of particles (e.g., neutrons, protons, deuterons, or alpha particles) or with electromagnetic radiation in the form of gamma rays. In the fission process, a large quantity of energy is released, radioactive products are formed, and several neutrons are emitted. These neutrons can induce fission in a nearby nucleus of fissionable material and release more neutrons that can repeat the sequence, causing a chain reaction in which a large number of nuclei undergo fission and an enormous amount of energy is released.
If controlled in a nuclear reactor, such a chain reaction can provide power for Society’s benefit. If uncontrolled, as in the case of the so-called atomic bomb, it can lead to an explosion of awesome destructive force.
Nuclear fusion
Nuclear fusion is the process of making a single heavy nucleus (part of an atom) from two lighter nuclei. This process is called a nuclear reaction. It releases a large amount of energy. The nucleus made by fusion is heavier than either of the starting nuclei. However, it is not as heavy as the combination of the original mass of the starting nuclei (atoms). This lost mass is changed into lots of energy. This is shown in Einstein’s famous E=mc2 equation.
Fusion happens in the middle of stars, like the Sun. Hydrogen atoms are fused together to make helium. This releases lots of energy. This energy powers the heat and light of the star. Not all Elements can be joined. Heavier elements are less easily joined than lighter ones. Iron (a Metal) cannot fuse with other atoms. This is what causes stars to die. Stars join all of their atoms together to make heavier atoms of different types, until they start to make iron. The iron nucleus cannot fuse with other nuclei. The reactions stop. The star eventually will cool down and die.
On Earth it is very difficult to start nuclear fusion reactions that release more energy than is needed to start the reaction. The reason is that fusion reactions only happen at high temperature and pressure, like in the Sun,because both nuclei have a positive charge, and positive repels positive. The only way to stop the repulsion is to make the nuclei hit each other at very high speeds. They only do that at high pressure and temperature. The only successful approach so far has been in nuclear weapons. The hydrogen bomb uses an atomic (fission) bomb to start fusion reactions. Scientists and engineers have been trying for decades to find a safe and working way of controlling and containing fusion reactions to generate electricity. They still have many challenges to overcome before fusion power can be used as a clean Source Of Energy.
Chain reaction
A chain reaction refers to a process in which neutrons released in fission produce an additional fission in at least one further nucleus. This nucleus in turn produces neutrons, and the process repeats. The process may be controlled (nuclear power) or uncontrolled (nuclear weapons).
A nuclear chain reaction occurs when one single nuclear reaction causes an Average of one or more subsequent nuclear reactions, thus leading to the possibility of a self-propagating series of these reactions. The specific nuclear reaction may be the fission of heavy isotopes (e.g., uranium-235, 235U). The nuclear chain reaction releases several million times more energy per reaction than any Chemical Reaction.
Fission chain reactions occur because of interactions between neutrons and fissile isotopes (such as 235U). The chain reaction requires both the release of neutrons from fissile isotopes undergoing nuclear fission and the subsequent absorption of some of these neutrons in fissile isotopes. When an atom undergoes nuclear fission, a few neutrons (the exact number depends on several factors) are ejected from the reaction. These free neutrons will then interact with the surrounding medium, and if more fissile fuel is present, some may be absorbed and cause more fissions. Thus, the cycle repeats to give a reaction that is self-sustaining.
Nuclear power plants operate by precisely controlling the rate at which nuclear reactions occur, and that control is maintained through the use of several redundant layers of safety measures. Moreover, the materials in a nuclear reactor core and the uranium enrichment level make a nuclear explosion impossible, even if all safety measures failed. On the other hand, nuclear weapons are specifically engineered to produce a reaction that is so fast and intense it cannot be controlled after it has started. When properly designed, this uncontrolled reaction can lead to an explosive energy release.
Uses And Harms Of Nuclear Energy
Pros of Nuclear Energy
Low Pollution: Nuclear power also has a lot fewer greenhouse emissions. It has been determined that the amount of greenhouse gases have decreased by almost half because of the prevalence in the utilization of nuclear power. Nuclear energy has the least effect on nature since it doesn’t discharge any gasses like methane and carbon dioxide, which are the primary “greenhouse gasses.” There is no unfavorable impact on water, land or any territories because of the utilization of nuclear power, except in times where transportation is utilized.
Low Operating Costs: Nuclear power produces very inexpensive electricity. The cost of the uranium, which is utilized as a fuel in this process, is low. Also, even though the expense of setting up nuclear power plants is moderately high, the expense of running them is quite low low. The normal life of nuclear reactor is anywhere from 40-60 years, depending on how often it is used and how it is being used. These variables, when consolidated, make the expense of delivering power low. Even if the cost of uranium goes up, the impact on the cost of power will be that much lower.
Reliability: It is estimated that with the current rate of consumption of uranium, we have enough uranium for another 70-80 years. A nuclear power plant when in the mode of producing energy can run uninterrupted for even a year. As solar and Wind Energy are dependent upon weather conditions, nuclear power plant has no such constraints and can run without disruption in any climatic condition.
More Proficient Than Fossil Fuels: The other primary point of interest of utilizing nuclear energy is that it is more compelling and more proficient than other energy sources. A number of nuclear energy innovations have made it a much more feasible choice than others. They have high energy density as compared to fossil fuels. The amount of fuel required by nuclear power plant is comparatively less than what is required by other power plants as energy released by nuclear fission is approximately ten million times greater than the amount of energy released by fossil fuel atom.
Renewable: Nuclear energy is not renewable resource. Uranium, the nuclear fuel that is used to produced nuclear energy is limited and cannot be produced again and again on demand. On the other hand, by using breeder and fusion reactors, we can produce other fissionable element. One such element is called plutonium that is produced by the by-products of chain-reaction. Also, if we know how to control atomic fusion, the same reactions that fuel the sun, we can have almost unlimited energy.
Cons of Nuclear Energy
Environmental Impact: One of the biggest issues is environmental impact in relation to uranium. The process of mining and refining uranium hasn’t been a clean process. Actually transporting nuclear fuel to and from plants represents a pollution hazard. Also, once the fuel is used, you can’t simply take it to the landfill – it’s radioactive and dangerous.
Radioactive Waste Disposal: As a rule, a nuclear power plant creates 20 metric tons of nuclear fuel per year, and with that comes a lot of nuclear waste. When you consider each nuclear plant on Earth, you will find that that number jumps to approximately 2,000 metric tons a year.
Nuclear Accidents: The radioactive waste produced can pose serious Health effects on the lives of people as well as the Environment. The Chernobyl accident that occurred on 26 April 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine was the worst nuclear accident in the history. Its harmful effects on humans and ECOLOGY can still be seen today. Then there was another accident that happened in Fukushima in Japan. Although the casualties were not that high, but it caused serious environmental concerns.
High Cost: At present, the nuclear business let waste cool for a considerable length of time before blending it with glass and putting away it in enormous cooled, solid structures. This waste must be kept up, observed and watched to keep the materials from falling into the wrong hands and causing problems.
Hot Target for Militants: Nuclear energy has immense power. Today, nuclear energy is used to make weapons. If these weapons go into the wrong hands, that could be the end of this world. Nuclear power plants are prime target for terrorism activities. Little lax in security can be brutal for humankind.
CREDA
Chhatishgarh RENEWABLE ENERGY development agency (CREDA) Government-owned organization focusing on the establishment and promotion of non-conventional and alternative Resources/”>Energy Resources.,
Nuclear technology is the use of nuclear reactions to generate useful power or for other purposes. Nuclear reactions are those in which the nucleus of an atom is changed, either by splitting (fission) or by combining (fusion).
Nuclear technology has a wide range of applications, including:
- Electricity generation: Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate electricity.
- Medicine: Radioactive isotopes are used in medical imaging and treatment.
- Industry: Nuclear technology is used in a variety of industrial processes, such as manufacturing steel and producing medical isotopes.
- Research: Nuclear technology is used in a variety of research fields, such as physics, chemistry, and biology.
Nuclear technology is a complex and controversial topic. There are many risks associated with nuclear technology, including the risk of accidents, the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation, and the risk of radioactive waste. However, nuclear technology also has many benefits, such as the ability to generate large amounts of electricity without producing greenhouse gases.
The following are some of the subtopics of nuclear technology:
- Basic concept of nuclear technology
- Radioactivity and its applications
- Nuclear fission
- Nuclear fusion
- Nuclear power plants
- Nuclear weapons
- Radioactive waste
- Nuclear safety
- Nuclear non-proliferation
- Nuclear energy policy
- Nuclear ethics
- Nuclear accidents
Basic concept of nuclear technology
Nuclear technology is the use of nuclear reactions to generate useful power or for other purposes. Nuclear reactions are those in which the nucleus of an atom is changed, either by splitting (fission) or by combining (fusion).
Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a large atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei. This process releases a large amount of energy, which can be used to generate electricity. Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two small atomic nuclei into a larger nucleus. This process also releases a large amount of energy, but it is much more difficult to achieve than nuclear fission.
Radioactivity and its applications
Radioactivity is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by emitting radiation. This radiation can be in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. Radioactivity can be used in a variety of applications, including medical imaging, industrial processes, and research.
Nuclear fission
Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a large atomic nucleus into two smaller nuclei. This process releases a large amount of energy, which can be used to generate electricity. Nuclear fission is the process that is used in nuclear power plants.
Nuclear fusion
Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two small atomic nuclei into a larger nucleus. This process also releases a large amount of energy, but it is much more difficult to achieve than nuclear fission. Nuclear fusion is the process that powers the sun and other stars.
Nuclear power plants
A nuclear power plant is a facility that uses nuclear fission to generate electricity. Nuclear power plants are used in many countries around the world to generate electricity.
Nuclear weapons
A nuclear weapon is a weapon that uses nuclear fission or nuclear fusion to create an explosion. Nuclear weapons are the most destructive weapons ever created.
Radioactive waste
Radioactive waste is waste that contains radioactive material. Radioactive waste can be produced by nuclear power plants, hospitals, and other industries. Radioactive waste must be carefully managed to protect human health and the environment.
Nuclear safety
Nuclear safety is the practice of ensuring that nuclear facilities and activities are safe. Nuclear safety is important to protect human health and the environment from the risks of nuclear accidents.
Nuclear non-proliferation
Nuclear non-proliferation is the practice of preventing the spread of nuclear weapons. Nuclear non-proliferation is important to prevent nuclear weapons from falling into the wrong hands.
Nuclear energy policy
Nuclear energy policy is a government policy that governs the use of nuclear energy. Nuclear energy policy can include issues such as the construction of new nuclear power plants, the disposal of radioactive waste, and the export of nuclear technology.
Nuclear ethics
Nuclear ethics is the study of the ethical issues raised by nuclear technology. Nuclear ethics includes issues such as the use of nuclear weapons, the safety of nuclear power plants, and the disposal of radioactive waste.
Nuclear accidents
A nuclear accident is an accident that occurs at a nuclear facility. Nuclear accidents can release radioactive material into the environment and cause serious health problems.
What is nuclear technology?
Nuclear technology is the use of nuclear reactions to generate heat, electricity, or other useful forms of energy. Nuclear reactions are also used in medicine, industry, and research.
What is the basic concept of nuclear technology?
The basic concept of nuclear technology is that the nucleus of an atom can be split into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large amount of energy. This process is called nuclear fission. Nuclear fission can be used to generate heat, which can then be used to generate electricity.
What is radioactivity?
Radioactivity is the process by which an unstable atomic nucleus loses energy by radiation. This radiation can be in the form of alpha particles, beta particles, or gamma rays. Radioactivity is a natural phenomenon that occurs in all elements.
What are the applications of nuclear technology?
Nuclear technology has many applications, including:
- Electricity generation: Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate electricity.
- Medicine: Nuclear medicine uses radioactive isotopes to diagnose and treat diseases.
- Industry: Nuclear technology is used in a variety of industrial processes, such as the production of steel and plastics.
- Research: Nuclear technology is used in a variety of research fields, such as physics, chemistry, and biology.
What are the benefits of nuclear technology?
Nuclear technology has many benefits, including:
- It is a reliable source of energy. Nuclear power plants can operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and they are not affected by weather conditions.
- It is a clean source of energy. Nuclear power plants do not produce greenhouse gases or other pollutants.
- It is a safe source of energy. Nuclear power plants are designed with multiple safety features to prevent accidents.
What are the risks of nuclear technology?
Nuclear technology also has some risks, including:
- The risk of accidents: Nuclear power plants are complex systems, and there is always a risk of accidents.
- The risk of nuclear proliferation: Nuclear technology can be used to produce nuclear weapons.
- The risk of radioactive waste: Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste, which must be carefully disposed of.
What is the future of nuclear technology?
The future of nuclear technology is uncertain. Some people believe that nuclear technology is a safe and reliable source of energy that should be used more widely. Others believe that the risks of nuclear technology are too great, and that we should focus on developing alternative sources of energy.
Question 1
Which of the following is not a type of nuclear technology?
(A) Nuclear power
(B) Nuclear weapons
(C) Nuclear medicine
(D) Nuclear waste disposal
Answer
(D) Nuclear waste disposal is not a type of nuclear technology. It is a process that is used to manage the waste that is produced by nuclear power plants and other nuclear facilities.
Question 2
What is the basic concept of nuclear technology?
(A) The use of nuclear energy to generate electricity
(B) The use of nuclear weapons to destroy enemy targets
(C) The use of nuclear medicine to diagnose and treat diseases
(D) The use of nuclear waste to generate electricity
Answer
(A) The basic concept of nuclear technology is the use of nuclear energy to generate electricity. Nuclear energy is produced by the splitting of atoms, which is a process called fission. Fission releases a large amount of energy, which can be used to generate electricity.
Question 3
What is radioactivity?
(A) The process of splitting atoms
(B) The process of releasing energy from atoms
(C) The process of emitting radiation from atoms
(D) The process of using nuclear energy to generate electricity
Answer
(C) Radioactivity is the process of emitting radiation from atoms. Radiation is a form of energy that can be harmful to living things. Radioactivity is caused by the instability of the nucleus of an atom. The nucleus of an atom is made up of protons and neutrons. Protons have a positive charge, neutrons have no charge, and electrons have a negative charge. The protons and neutrons in the nucleus are held together by the strong force. However, if the nucleus is too large or too small, it can be unstable. When an unstable nucleus decays, it emits radiation.
Question 4
What are some of the applications of radioactivity?
(A) Nuclear power
(B) Nuclear weapons
(C) Nuclear medicine
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) Radioactivity has many applications, including nuclear power, nuclear weapons, and nuclear medicine. Nuclear power is used to generate electricity. Nuclear weapons are used to destroy enemy targets. Nuclear medicine is used to diagnose and treat diseases.
Question 5
What are some of the risks associated with nuclear technology?
(A) The risk of accidents
(B) The risk of radiation exposure
(C) The risk of nuclear proliferation
(D) All of the above
Answer
(D) Nuclear technology has many risks, including the risk of accidents, the risk of radiation exposure, and the risk of nuclear proliferation. Accidents can occur at nuclear power plants, which can release radiation into the environment. Radiation exposure can cause cancer and other health problems. Nuclear proliferation is the spread of nuclear weapons to more countries. This can increase the risk of nuclear war.