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Nuclear Energy |
"Nuclear
Energy is the safest, cleanest, cheapest, and most efficient type of energy." It supplies about 17% of the world's
electricity. Nowadays, it has become an issue in a major debate as to whether such type of
energy ought to be disposed of, or continued to be used and developed while disregarding
its disadvantages.
What is Nuclear Energy?
The structure of the nucleus of an atom can undergo changes. Such changes are called "nuclear reactions". The form of energy produced in a nuclear reaction is referred to as "nuclear energy" or "atomic energy". Nuclear energy is either produced by "nuclear fission" (in which large nuclei are split to release energy) or by "nuclear fusion" (in which small nuclei are combined to release energy). The atomic bomb and nuclear reactors in nuclear plants work on the principle of nuclear fission, where the element uranium (isotope U-235) is used to undergo fission. Stars produce their heat and light through nuclear fusion. The hydrogen bomb operates by nuclear fusion as well.Click here for a nuclear technology timeline
Advantages
Speaking in terms of limited supplies of energy, nuclear energy is the most efficient alternative to coal, oil and natural gas, which are on their way of becoming scarce.
Nuclear energy has environmental benefits. It is a pure form of energy, the production of which doesn't involve the burning of fossil fuel in no way whatsoever.
Uranium fuel -upon which nuclear power plants run- contains much more concentrated energy than any other fuel. It is estimated that one pound of uranium can produce as much electricity as 12,000 pounds of coal and 1,200 gallons of oil. Therefore, nuclear power plants consume less amounts of fuel than needed by those which burn other fuels, and at the same time they produce additional amounts of electricity, making countries' economies grow.
Nuclear fuel is less costly than other fuels.
For countries that rely on foreign oil suppliers, nuclear energy is good news, for it cuts their demands for imported oil.
Disadvantages
Reactor meltdowns -where the nuclear fission reaction accidentally goes out of control- result in the occurrence of nuclear explosions. A famous reactor meltdown incident took place in Russia's Chernobyl nuclear power plant, where radiation escaped from the reactor to which many lives were exposed. Many died in the following days and others in the following years.
Nuclear explosions cause the emission of massive amounts of harmful radiation. Living organisms exposed to nuclear radiation are subject to life-threatening diseases.
Nuclear waste produced by nuclear reactors- is difficult to be disposed of. Nuclear waste emits harmful radiation that causes harm to living organisms.
Nuclear Weapons
Nuclear weapons, examples of which include the atomic bomb and the hydrogen bomb, are major threats in the field of nuclear physics. It is estimated that the amount of nuclear weapons that exist in the world today is sufficient enough to kill everyone. Those who argue in favour of nuclear weapons believe that they are essential for ensuring security and safety. Indeed, this is true. However, stricter methods should be adopted to control their use.If a nuclear war breaks out, the resultig damage would surely be devastating. We definitely don't want incidents like those which took place in Hiroshima and Nagasaki to occur again.
The Future of Nuclear Energy
Nuclear power plants will undergo major development, making them faster and less costly to build, better performing and safer to the environment and its inhabitants. A convenient solution to the problem of the disposal of nuclear waste will be found. More countries will sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and until then stricter methods will be applied to minimize the likelihood of the use of nuclear weapons. These aren't but a few attempts to make the world a safer place for all, and a better environment where Man is able to prosper and develop.