What is Nuclear Energy?

1. What is Nuclear Energy? Nuclear energy or atomic energy is the energy that is released spontaneously or artificially in nuclear reactions. The main feature of this type of energy is the high amount energy which can be produced per unit mass of material used as fuel. But on the other hand, the term is also used to designate other situation that has to do with the use of that energy for other purposes such as the production of electricity, heat energy and mechanical energy through nuclear reactions.

2. 11 FACTS ABOUT NUCLEAR ENERGY 1_ Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission (the process of splitting an atom in two). Nuclear fusion (the process of combining atoms into one) has the potential to be safer energy because it is produced at a much lower temperature. However, nuclear fusion technology has not yet been developed to operate within a large power plant. 2_Nuclear energy comes from uranium, a nonrenewable resource that must be mined.3_Every 18 to 24 months, a power plant must shut down to remove its spent uranium fuel, which has become radioactive waste.4_13% of the world’s electricity comes from nuclear power plants that emit little to no greenhouse gases.5_Nuclear energy is being used in more than 30 countries around the world, and even powers Mars rovers.6_Nuclear power facilities can produce energy at a 91 percent efficiency rate 24/7, while maintaining the method with the lowest emissions.7_More than 70 percent of America’s emission-free power comes from nuclear energy sources.8_1 in 5 households and business in the U.S. are electrically powered by nuclear energy.9_United States power plants produce 2,000 metric tons of radioactive waste every year.10_The building of new nuclear facilities creates between 1,400 and 3,500 jobs for construction workers, and after the facility is built maintains 400 to 700 permanent positions paying roughly 36 to 44 percent more than the average salary of the surrounding area.11_American nuclear energy facilities are the highest regulated plants in the world, subject to more scrutinous observations and regulations.

3. Advantages of Nuclear Energy 1. Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions : Nuclear energy by far has the lowest impact on the environment since it does not releases any gases like carbon dioxide, methane which are largely responsible for greenhouse effect. Though some greenhouse gases are released while transporting fuel or extracting energy from uranium. 2. Powerful and Efficient : The other main advantage of using nuclear energy is that it is very powerful and efficient than other alternative energy sources. Advancement in technologies has made it more viable option than others. At present, a small portion of world’s electricity comes through it. 3. Reliable : Unlike traditional sources of energy like solar and wind which require sun or wind to produce electricity, nuclear energy can be produced from nuclear power plants even in the cases of rough weather conditions. 4. Cheap Electricity : The cost of uranium which is used as a fuel in generating electricity is quite low. Also, set up costs of nuclear power plants is relatively high while running cost is low. The average life of nuclear reactor range from 4.-60 years depending upon its usage. These factors when combined make the cost of producing electricity very low. 5. Low Fuel Cost : The main reason behind the low fuel cost is that it requires little amount of uranium to produce energy. When a nuclear reaction happens, it releases million times more energy as compared to traditional sources of energy. 6. Supply : There are certain economic advantages in setting up nuclear power plants and using nuclear energy in place of conventional energy. It is one of the major sources of electricity throughout the nation. The best part is that this energy has a continuous supply. It is widely available, has huge reserves and expected to last for another 100 years while coal, oil and natural gas are limited and are expected to vanish soon. 7. Easy Transportation : Production of nuclear energy needs very less amount of raw material. This means that only about 28 gram of uranium releases as much energy as produced from 100 metric tons of coals. Optimal utilization of natural resources in production of energy is a very thoughtful approach for any nation.

4. Disadvantages of nuclear energy. The nuclear energy can become out of control, leading to nuclear armament: 1_Nuclear energy is not renewable. Ultimately,urano,resoirces are finite, and then completed the reserves could not use more energy such. 2_The current nuclear power plants, are very reliable, but you must spend significant amounts of money to ensure their safety. 3_The main problem of nuclear radioactive waste constituent. Not generate a lot of trash and debris. There are developed techniques that can recover more energy the uranium used. 4_The principal disadvantage is the treatment of waste, livelihood peruses millennia. Then there is the danger of accident, either exhaust or blast. Even danger the terrorist attack. (Airam,Paola,Eneibe and Lucia)