Nuclear Power 2 Essay, Research Paper
Nuclear Power is a very complex subject and deals with a lot of social, scientific and political issues. The scientific side to Nuclear Power is probably the most complex of the three. Nuclear Power can turn you into ash in nanoseconds, render you retarded, or simply power your home. The process of nuclear fission, safety, destruction, will be discussed in the following pages along with history, present and future of this technology.
In the process of fission, two major parts are required on the atomic level, an element usually uranium 235 which has 235 protons and neutrons in its nucleus and a neutron. In a nuclear reactor the uranium used is always enriched which has an increased amount of fissionable nuclei. In the process of nuclear fission a uranium 235 molecule is split in two similar sized pieces after being hit by a neutron, after a neutron. The nucleus becomes suddenly so unstable that it splits into two major fragments and releases, on the average, two or three neutrons. Of these neutrons, at least one must succeed in producing another fission if the chain reaction is to persist. Billions of fissions will occur in a fraction of a second, thus a controlled chain reaction. I will discuss an uncontrolled chain reaction later. A large amount of energy is released after this process. This process is highly contained and controlled, insuring that the enormous amount of energy released is utilized. A small portion of the energy released is in the form of radiation but most of the energy occurs in the form of kinetic energy or heat. All of the movement during the fission process creates heat and this heat can be used to raise the temperature of water into high-pressure steam. The steam is used to turn a turbine and its mechanical energy is converted into electricity by a generator. The typical fission reaction involving Uranium 235 is,
92 U235 + 1 neutron = 38 Sr96 + 54 XE138 + 2 neutrons+energy
where the energy release is about 200 million electron volts (meV), a factor of 25 million greater than the combustion reaction of methane. Nuclear power plants harness the enormous energy releases from nuclear reactions for large-scale energy production. In a modern coal plant the combustion of one pound of coal produces about 1 kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electric energy. The fissioning of one pound of uranium in a modern nuclear power plant produces about 3 million kWh of electric energy. It is the incredible energy density (energy per unit mass) that makes nuclear energy sources of such interest. There are around 316 nuclear power plants in the world that create 213,000 megawatts of electricity.
The small amount Radioactive, or nuclear, waste is the by-product the nuclear fission process. Radiation and radioactive material are attributed to tissue damage in the molecules of cellular matter. Cells can be temporally damaged or destroyed for good. The severity of the injury depends on the type of radiation, the absorbed dose, the rate at which the dose was absorbed, and the radio-sensitivity of the tissues involved. The effects of radiation are the same, whether from a radiation source outside the body or from material within. The effects of a quick influx of radiation will cause cell death, and they become apparent within less than a few weeks. Slower and evenly increasing exposure is better tolerated because some of the damage is repaired while the exposure continues, even if the total dose is relatively high. If the dose is enough to cause effects, however, repair is less likely and may be slow even if it does occur. Exposure to doses of radiation too low to destroy cells can induce cellular changes that may be detectable clinically only after some years. The most common radiation poisoning is usually localized to a small area and may cause some tissue death, damage and gangrene. Radiation that can be found internally can cause delayed deterioration, destruction of cells and can even initiate cancer growth. Radiation doses are measured in grays or rads, 1 gray being equal to the dose absorbed when one kilogram of matter absorbs one joule of ionizing radiation, and 100 rads being equal to 1 gray. A dose of 40 grays will kill within 48 hours, 10-40 grays will cause death in 10 days. 1.5-10 grays will sometimes kill and when it does kill it can be found in 4 to 5 weeks but will cause destruction or damage of bone marrow leading to infection, and hemorrhaging. People that get low doses of radiation can be treated but if one receives more than 3.5 grays of radiation without treatment the person will die for sure.
Uranium, which contains about 0.7 percent uranium-235, is obtained from either surface or underground mines. The ore is concentrated by milling and then shipped to a conversion plant, where its form is changed to uranium hexafluoride gas (UF6). At an isotope enrichment plant, the gas is forced against a porous barrier that allows the lighter uranium-235 to penetrate more readily than uranium-238. This process enriches uranium to about 3 percent uranium-235. The depleted uranium-the tailings-contain about 0.3 percent uranium-235. The enriched product is sent to a fuel fabrication plant, where the UF6 gas is converted to uranium oxide powder, then into ceramic pellets that are loaded into corrosion-resistant fuel rods. These are assembled into fuel elements and are shipped to the reactor power plant. The world’s supply of enriched uranium fuel for powering commercial nuclear power plants is produced by five consortiums located in the United States, Western Europe, Russia, and Japan. The United States consortium-the federally owned United States Enrichment Corporation-produces 40 percent of this enriched uranium.
Nuclear power has other uses than just powering our homes. It propels military submarines, aircraft carriers, destroyers and who knows what else. Other uses for nuclear reactors is the production of radioactive isotopes that are created by bombarding non-radioactive substances with the neutrons released during fission and are used in scientific research, medical therapy and industry.
Substances such as ordinary water (light water), deuterium oxide (heavy water), and graphite have been found to be effective in slowing down neutrons during the fission process without reducing their number by absorption. The Uranium 235 rods are kept in rods in order to be able to insert them into the reactor where they are turned into energy. If the fissions begin to proceed at too great a rate, the result would be the release of an excessive amount of thermal energy and radiation and possibly cause meltdown of the core. Hence the term Nuclear Meltdown.
As a chain reaction continues, fission products accumulate in the reactor core. Most of these fragments are extremely radioactive and emit harmful gamma rays and neutrons. Consequently, thick, heavy concrete shielding to protect operators and other people in the vicinity against radiation must surround the reactor.
The disposal of radioactive fission products and spent-fuel assemblies poses a more difficult problem than does the containment of radiation in the reactor core. Some of these nuclear wastes remain dangerously radioactive for thousands of years and thus must be eliminated or stored permanently. We currently have no practical method of permanent disposal of nuclear waste.
The world’s first nuclear reactor was built at the University of Chicago under the direction of the Italian-born physicist Enrico Fermi. The reactor produced a chain reaction on Dec. 2, 1942. Following World War II, scientists and engineers in various other countries undertook efforts to develop reactors for large-scale power production. In 1956 the first full-scale commercial nuclear power plant was opened in Calder Hall, England. The following year the first American power station went online in 1957. Since then there were a lot of new power plants built until the late 1970s when there was a significant slowdown in the construction of new plants. The slow down can be attributed to the not in my back yard attitude, the rising cost of nuclear power plant construction and a drop in the projected rate of increase in electric-power demand. Major accidents at the Three Mile Island power station, near Harrisburg, Pa., in the United States, and the Chernobyl installation in the Soviet Union have left many afraid of nuclear power. France, Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan, which have few alternative-energy resources, however, have continued to increase their use of nuclear power.
Другие работы по теме:
Nuclear Power Essay Research Paper People use
Nuclear Power Essay, Research Paper People use a lot of natural resources on the earth. These resources are gradually being diminished. As these resources are diminished we will continue to look for alternative energy sources. Currently the only short term solution to this problem is nuclear power. The problem with that though is that nuclear power is not as safe as burning coal, gas, or oil.
Nuclear Proliferation Essay Research Paper What is
Nuclear Proliferation Essay, Research Paper What is the best way to address the question of nuclear proliferation in the coming century? In this paper I will state my views on the inevitability of nuclear proliferation and the views of others, as well as addressing what will come of the vertical proliferation of nuclear technology and delivery systems.
Nuclear Weapons Essay Research Paper Even though
Nuclear Weapons Essay, Research Paper Even though the United States and Russia have just concluded the most far-reaching nuclear arms reduction treaty in history, the danger that nuclear weapons will actually be used is growing rather than declining. George Bush and Boris Yeltsin’s START II accord does represent an important step in winding down the U.S.-Soviet nuclear arms race (Fromuth, 1993).
The Nuclear Threat Essay Research Paper The
The Nuclear Threat Essay, Research Paper The United States, once a defender of world peace and an international police power, seems today to be loosening the grip that has in the past prevented so much violence through out the world. At a time when “renegade” nations are arming with nuclear weapons, the Senate has voted not to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, a document that in the President’s words “is critical to protecting the American people from the dangers of nuclear war”.
Nuclear History Essay Research Paper WHAT IS
Nuclear History Essay, Research Paper WHAT IS NUCLEAR ENERGY ? Nuclear energy is made up of tiny atoms. All matter has atoms. One drop of water has one six tillion atoms. It would take one hundred million atoms to equal the length of one centimeter. An atom is mostly empty space. At the center of an atom, there is a nucleus.
Nuclear Power Plants Essay Research Paper Nuclear
Nuclear Power Plants Essay, Research Paper Nuclear Plants The question of whether the U.S. should have nuclear power plants is very controversial. There are two sides that one can take; however, both sides have their own share of problems. If you chose to not have nuclear plants, then eventually all natural resources will run out.
Nuclear Arms Essay Research Paper The United
Nuclear Arms Essay, Research Paper The United States in World War II created nuclear weapons in a secret wartime project. The U.S. spent over $2 billion dollars in 1945 on the project in fear that the Germans might succeed in creating a similar weapon. However the German’s did not seriously pursue the development of the nuclear weapons during World War II.
The Disposal Of Nuclear Waste Essay Research
Paper As we enter the new millenium, the disposal of nuclear waste is a very important factor we must consider for the future generations. Nuclear energy is a very important and dominant as a source of heat energy. It is used to produce steam to drive turbines that generate electricity. Every nuclear plant has its own design, but they each generate heat from nuclear reactors and use this heat to produce steam.
Nuclear Weapons And World Peace Essay Research
Paper When one looks at the trends of nuclear weapons, it is a very scary idea. Depending on how one views nuclear weapons will influence how the world is perceived in present time. With the massive stockpile of weapons that is in the world, life, as we know it could completely be eliminated.
Fire 2 Essay Research Paper Thousands of
Fire 2 Essay, Research Paper Thousands of years ago human beings learned to make fire. By collecting and burning wood they were able to warm themselves, cook food, and manufacture primitive tools. Later, the Egyptians discovered the principal of the sail. Even more recent was the invention of the water wheel.
Nuclear Medicine Essay Research Paper Nuclear MedicineThere
Nuclear Medicine Essay, Research Paper Nuclear Medicine There are many things to be said about Nuclear Medicine. During the 20th century the world has seen many changes in medicine. One of the most ingenious creations of the century in the health field is Nuclear Medicine and Radiology. It is easily argued that modern medicine is the greatest accomplishment in human history1.
Nuclear Power Plant In Saskatchewan Essay Research
Paper Should There Be A Nuclear Power Plant In Saskatchewan? I think there should be a nuclear power plant built in Saskatchewan because I believe it would contribute to the province a great deal. There is a
Nuclear Terrorism Essay Research Paper Today the
Nuclear Terrorism Essay, Research Paper Today, the terrorists have innumerable opportunities to attack where they want and also, how they want. The reason? Nobody knows, but how would you like if you would be able to put some nuclear stuff in a small box instead of looking for a place where you could drive your wagon full of explosives.
The First Reactor Essay Research Paper The
The First Reactor Essay, Research Paper The First Reactor The First Reactor chronicles the conception and implementation of the first self-sustaining nuclear pile. The booklet has three main sections to it. The first one tells of the history and background of the organizations and research that were used for the momentous experiment, as well as the actual proceedings that occurred on December 2, 1942.
Nucelar Enargy Essay Research Paper nuclear reactornuclear
Nucelar Enargy Essay, Research Paper nuclear reactor nuclear reactor, device for producing NUCLEAR ENERGY by controlled nuclear reactions. It can be used for either research or power production. The reactor is so constructed that the fission of atomic nuclei produces a self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction, in which the produced neutrons are able to split other nuclei.
Nuclear Power Plants Essay Research Paper Chem
Nuclear Power Plants Essay, Research Paper Chem. Com. Project Lynsey Boggess Nuclear Power has its advantages and disadvantages. However it is a lot safer than most people think. The chances of a meltdown or a radiation leak are extremely small. There are many safety features, which make nuclear power one of the safest electricity sources.
Emergence Of The Nuclear Age Essay Research
Paper Emergence of the Nuclear Age I feel the most important issue which I learned in class was of the emergence of the nuclear age. I feel that this is important due to the fact
Nuclear Weapons Essay Research Paper The topic
Nuclear Weapons Essay, Research Paper The topic of nuclear weapons is one that will be around forever. One of my favorite lines from the reading we had was that we cannot uninvent nuclear
The Spread Of Nuclear Weapons More May
Be Better Essay, Research Paper The Spread of Nuclear Weapons: More May Be Better ??????????? Kenneth Waltz, produces an interesting and semi compelling argument for the use of Nuclear weapons as a way of maintaining the
Plutonium Essay Research Paper Plutonium239 an isotope
Plutonium Essay, Research Paper Plutonium-239 (an isotope of plutonium) is used in making nuclear weapons. Plutonium- 238 is used to power equipment on the moon by means of the heat it emits. Plutonium is also used in radionuclide batteries for pacemakers.
Bignerds Essay Research Paper Why nuclear fusion
Bignerds Essay, Research Paper Why nuclear fusion is so cool……. For a fusion reaction to take place, the nuclei, which are positively charged, must have enough kinetic energy to overcome their electrostatic force of repulsion. This can occur either when one nucleus is accelerated to high energies by an accelerating device, or …
Personal Statement Essay Research Paper Personal Statement
Personal Statement Essay, Research Paper Personal Statement: Interests, Experiences, and Goals in Nuclear Engineering Money and fame do not motivate my goals. Engineering in all forms is a field of innovation and invention. Aspirations of any great engineer should be to introduce to the world a new idea, product, or service that will make people happier and the environment safer.
Energy Essay Research Paper The first question
Energy Essay, Research Paper The first question, which I must ask in order to write this essay, is, what is energy? Energy gives us the ability to do thing. Everything in the world needs a supply of energy, and so energy is used to make things work. The word energy is taken from the Greeks and means the work within and nearly all energy originally came from the sun.
Alas Babylon Essay Research Paper Alas Babylon
Alas, Babylon Essay, Research Paper Alas, Babylon Essay In the book Alas, Babylon, the author, Pat Frank, discusses the condition of the human race. Mainly, his view differs from others because rather than write about the countries in a nuclear war, he writes about people living in the countries that are involved in that war.
Nuclear Energy Essay Research Paper Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Energy Essay, Research Paper Nuclear Energy should be produced because it is an alternative to fossil fuel. Nuclear energy helps to conserve our national resources that we use as fuel such as coil, oil, and natural gas. Another pro of nuclear energy is that radiation that is given off by nuclear energy is mostly thought of a very dangerous thing but it can be used in positive ways too.
India And Pakistan Conflict Essay Research Paper
India’s nuclear tests are a wake-up call to the world, and particularly to the nuclear weapons states. India’s tests got the world’s attention. The country that was really woken up by these tests was Pakistan. These tests have refueled the conflict between Pakistan and India. The two countries have fought three wars, two of them over the disputed region of Kashmir.
Pollution Essay Research Paper Pollution What is
Pollution Essay, Research Paper Pollution. What is pollution? According to the Merriam Webster Dictionary pollution is ?the action of polluting esp. by environmental contamination with man-made waste.? The United States runs on power. Much of the United States? powers come from various nuclear power plants all across the country.
Us Affairs Essay Research Paper The US
Us Affairs Essay, Research Paper The U.S. plays a major role in most of the international affairs because the U.S. is considered to be a powerful nation. The Economy of America is strong, and the military power is one of the biggest in the world. There was a Persian Gulf War back in 1991 when the U.S. attacked Iraq.
Energy Essay Research Paper Electricity is the
Energy Essay, Research Paper Electricity is the fuel and catalyst for so many peoples worldwide. What started as an experiment in Edison s laboratory has grown to mammoth proportions as we it today. Nuclear power, introduced in the late 50s, was thought by many to be the answer to all of our energy needs. Both source s developments have pushed humanity to advanced places and beyond the question is how far?