Nuclear Energy

Nuclear Energy in the Future

The future of nuclear energy is unclear. However, we know a few things. First of all, we have to use nuclear energy in the future. First off, most other energy resources will soon run out. Secondly, we could use solar power, but it is not reliable. Lastly, nuclear energy is powerful and efficient. Also, statistics show that energy consumption will increase dramatically over the next 20 years.

The down side is the place to put the radioactive waste. Also, there are many groups for and against it, which will cause political conflicts. Sweden has begun stop nuclear power. But only if other resources of electricity can be found. France, currently, is the only country thinking of producing more nuclear power plants in the future. The world holds its breath at the decision of nuclear energy.

Key Terms:

Ballistic: pertaining to or caused by projectiles

Hiroshima and Nagasaki: Two cities in Japan that were bombed with nukes in repercussion of the bombing of Pearl Harbor

Ground Zero: The site directly below, directly above, or at the point of detonation of a nuclear weapon.

Thermal Radiation: electromagnetic radiation emitted by all matter above a temperature of absolute zero

Nuke: A nuclear weapon

Air Shock: A wave of pressure expanding from the place where a bomb hit

EMP (electromagnetic pulse): a burst of electromagnetic energy produced by a nuclear explosion in the atmosphere

Isotope: An element that has a different number of neutrons in its nucleus, but the same number of protons and electrons (atomic number)

Megawatt: A unit of power equal to one-million watts