Nuclear energy
From ArticleWorld
Nuclear energy is the energy which is released during a fission or fusion reaction occurring in atomic nuclei.
The energy released is manifested in the form of heat or radiation. The total energy in the system is a constant, though the end output is heat, which can be used to prepare superheated steam to run turbines. Nuclear fuel is also used in driving naval submarines and aircraft carriers. Nuclear weapons are based on nuclear fission reactions using elements like plutonium. A 10 cm diameter sphere of plutonium is enough to release the equivalent of 20,000 tons of TNT (a dangerous conventional explosive).
Three forms of nuclear reactions
- Fission, in which an atom’s nucleus is split, releasing a huge amount of energy, about ten million times as much energy as is released during an ordinary chemical reaction.
- Fusion, in which two small nuclei are joined together. Such a reaction takes place in the stars and the sun, resulting in release of energy. Compared to fusion, it is easier to maintain a fission reaction since the former requires a tremendous amount of heat energy for its sustenance.
- Radioactive decay, in which the nucleus of a radioactive element’s isotope decays into a more stable nucleus of another isotope or element.
Advantages and Cons
Since the Industrial Revolution, man has depended on fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas to fulfil energy requirements. Nuclear energy is thus a new development, and installations of fission reactors are increasing in number the world over. Nuclear fuel is inexpensive and causes no air pollution. However, great precaution has to be taken to avoid nuclear accidents, which may result in the release of radioactivity causing death and genetic disorders in living beings. Economical, nevertheless, nuclear energy has a promising future if used wisely and for peaceful purposes.