The Splitting of Atomic Nuclei in a Chain Reaction to Release Energy (Fission)
Nuclear Energy
The splitting of atomic nuclei in a chain reaction to release energy (fission)
Produces about 20% of the electricity in this county
- An alternative but not a renewable energy. Why?
-The radioactive form of Uranium, U235 (isotope) is required (not commonly found.)
-Uranium must be mined. This is dangerous because of the slow release of radioactivity.
- Radioactivity is when the nucleus of atoms are in an unstable state releasing protons and neutrons causing the element to change (decay) into another form, eventually lead.
-Radioactivity is found in nature but is harmful to living cells in high dosages. (fission releases a tremendous amount of radioactivity)
-Produces electricity like a fossil fuel plant but contains a nuclear reactor to produce heat. (diagram pg. 475)
Additional information
-One kilogram of U235= 16 tons of coal in energy
-The biggest problem is controlling the reaction and dealing with the radiation)
-Control rods in the reactor control the rate of the reaction (see attachment)
-In 1974 there was planning for the construction and operation of 226 reactors but since 1987 no new nuclear plants have been ordered
-In 1997 107 nuclear reactors were operating in 32 states
-IN 1994, 40 nations signed an international safety agreement(shuts downplantsif the safety isn’t guaranteed)
Impacts
-Produces no air pollution
-There is radioactive waste from mines, processing, and disposal of uranium. (see attached)
-Many people fear power plants due to possible meltdowns (when nuclear fuel becomes too hot and escapes the reactor chamber releasing radioactivity into the surrounding
-A partial meltdown occurred at Three Mile Island (PA) in 1979 ( read case study pgs 464 – 467)
-Worst meltdown occurred at Chernobyl (Ukraine ) pg 451
-Aging plants must be maintained which is very expensive. 81 reactors have been taken out of service worldwide
-Dealing with nuclear material in any way is very costly
-New technology may change plant design making them much safer. Nuclear power will most likely decline until changes occur
Nuclear Fusion
Fusion occurs when hydrogen isotopes are combined to release energy forming helium gas as a by-product
- one gram of dt fusion fuel = 45 barrels of oil.
- Extremely high temperatures are needed to strip the hydrogen atoms of the electrons making a plasma
- This process has only occurred experimentally
- This process occurs in the Sun
Nuclear Energy
The splitting of atomic nuclei in a chain reaction to release energy (______)
Produces about ______of the electricity in this county
- An alternative but not a renewable energy. Why?
-The radioactive form of Uranium, ______is required (not commonly found.)
-Uranium must be mined. This is dangerous because of the slow release of ______.
- Radioactivity is when the nucleus of atoms are in an ______state releasing protons and neutrons causing the element to change (______) into another form, eventually ______.
-Radioactivity is found in nature but is harmful to living cells in high dosages. (fission releases a tremendous amount of radioactivity)
-Produces electricity like a fossil fuel plant but contains a nuclear reactor to produce heat. (diagram pg. 475)
Additional information
-One kilogram of U235= 16 tons of coal in energy
-The biggest problem is controlling the reaction and dealing with the radiation)
-Control rods in the reactor control the rate of the reaction (see attachment)
-In 1974 there was planning for the construction and operation of 226 reactors but since 1987 no new nuclear plants have been ordered
-In 1997 107 nuclear reactors were operating in 32 states
-IN 1994, 40 nations signed an international safety agreement(shuts down plants if the safety isn’t guaranteed)
Impacts
-Produces no air pollution
-There is ______from mines, processing, and disposal of uranium. (see attached)
-Many people fear power plants due to possible ______(when nuclear fuel becomes too hot and escapes the reactor chamber releasing radioactivity into the surrounding
-A partial meltdown occurred at ______(PA) in 1979 ( read case study pgs 4644 – 467)
-Worst meltdown occurred at Chernobyl (Ukraine ) pg 451
-Aging plants must be maintained which is very expensive. 81 reactors have been taken out of service worldwide
-Dealing with nuclear material in any way is very costly
-New technology may change plant design making them much safer. Nuclear power will most likely decline until changes occur
Nuclear Fusion
Fusion occurs when ______are combined to release energy forming ______gas as a by-product
- one gram of dt fusion fuel = 45 barrels of oil.
- Extremely high temperatures are needed to strip the hydrogen atoms of the electrons making a ______
- This process occurs in the Sun
* This process has only occurred experimentally