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Nuclear Energy

Nuclear Energy. 2011. The Power of the Atom. Fission. Process of splitting (generally larger) atoms apart. When an atom gets split apart it forms two or more new atoms and energy is released in the process. Fission (continued).

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Nuclear Energy

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  1. Nuclear Energy 2011

  2. The Power of the Atom

  3. Fission • Process of splitting (generally larger) atoms apart. • When an atom gets split apart it forms two or more new atoms and energy is released in the process.

  4. Fission (continued) • Uncontrolled fission reaction = the bombs we dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki • A controlled fission reaction can produce heat that boils water, pressurized steam then turns a steam turbine which turns a generator and makes electricity

  5. History of Fission • Einstein came up with the idea that there is a vast amount of energy in matter contained within the bonds of the atom. • German scientists in the 1930’s successfully demonstrated that Einstein knew what he was talking about. • U.S.A. successfully built the first nuclear bomb (Manhattan Project, 1945) • Eisenhower – “Atoms for Peace” (1950’s) • Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986)

  6. Atomic Energy • Right now we are able to control fission power and create electricity. There are a few problems associated with using fission: • #1 most important problem is . . . What do we do with the waste??????????? • Thermal pollution • Decommisioning costs • Potential accidents • Security of our nuclear power plant sites

  7. Fusion • Process of putting two (generally small) atoms together to form a new atom • When the atoms combine energy is released (hydrogen) (hydrogen)

  8. Fusion (continued) • Our sun is powered by Fusion • An uncontrolled fusion reaction example would be a hydrogen bomb • “cold fusion” where we are able to control the fusion reaction and use it to make electricity is still in the research and testing phase. This could be our “silver bullet” that would take care of all of our energy needs. We are not close to having this be a viable way to get energy.

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