Nuclear Energy

How will it

affect you?

Nuclear Energy: What is it?

Fission– the splitting of an atom by a neutron,

resulting in two or more neutrons being released and the formation of two new atoms.

Nuclear Radiation– the gain or loss of protons or neutrons

Nuclear Energy: How does it work? Consists of 5 main parts

– Control Rods– Coolant– Core– Moderator– Reactor Vessel

Nuclear Energy: How does it work? Uranium atom is bombarded with

neutrons, splitting the atom and releasing energy in the form of heat.

Two additional neutrons released will continue the reaction (chain reaction)

This energy is collected and used to produce steam from water, which is used to turn a turbine to produce electricity.

Nuclear Reactor

Nuclear Energy: History

Successfully released in 1942, at the University of Chicago

Used to build the first atomic bomb The same bomb dropped on Hiroshima

Nuclear Energy: Where are they located? Along rivers edges, sea coasts

– Use high amounts of water to cool water being heated

U.S has 109 operating plants Canada has 22 operating plants France has 56 operating plants Japan has 47 operating plants

Nuclear Energy: Where does it come from? Mining of Uranium that is enriched to

make an isotope 1 kg of uranium is = 3,000 tons of coal =

14,000 barrels of oil

Nuclear Energy: What is it used for? Used primarily for electricity

Nuclear Energy: Pollution

Three mile Island– 1979 Pennsylvania– A core meltdown because of a lack of

water to control the amount of heat produced.

Nuclear Energy: Pollution

Chernobyl– 1986– 31 fatalities, 500 hospitalized, contaminated

crops and water, and resulted in 17,000 extra cancers

– 10x the radiation then the bomb dropped on Hiroshima

– Core overheated and there was an explosion of the lid

Nuclear Energy: Concerns

Reactor will explode like an atomic bomb Melt down of reactor

– Loss of coolant Possible hydrogen bubble

– a bubble of explosive gases that may result from radioactive material

Possibility of crack in core and radiation is released into atmosphere

Nuclear Energy: Cons

Use of nuclear power for weapons takes 1000 years for materials to no

longer be radioactive. 50% of radioactive wastes are produced

from nuclear plants Where do we bury the wastes?

Nuclear Energy: Pros

Increase in technology may help with burial of wastes.

Annual environmental impacts are low compared to other fossil fuels.

Fuel is long-lasting: 1 kg of Uranium = 3,000 tons of coal = 12,000 barrels of oil

Fairly clean, efficient, and clean burning.

Nuclear Energy Pros