The Nuclear Energy

The Nuclear Energy

  • Submitted By: sig1900
  • Date Submitted: 12/08/2008 4:07 PM
  • Category: Science
  • Words: 1538
  • Page: 7
  • Views: 1

*12.0 INTRODUCTION OF NUCLEAR ENERGY*. Nuclear energy has recently been growing in popularity as an alternative to fossil fuels and a way to fight global warming. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) conducted a study on the future of nuclear power because of a belief that this energy source is an important option for the United States and the world to meet future energy needs without emitting carbon dioxide and other atmospheric pollutants. Other benefits will include increased efficiency, put a stop to carbon dioxide pollutants and may result in a successful greenhouse gas management strategy. 12.1 WHAT IS NUCLEAR ENERGY? Nuclear energy occurs from the splitting of uranium atoms in a process called nuclear fission. At the power plants, the fission process is used to generate heat for producing steam, which is used by a turbine to generate electricity. Nuclear fission, occurs when the nuclei of atoms are split, causing energy to be released. Figure 12.1, shows how nuclear fission creates nuclear energy. *Figure 12.*1 Creation of Nuclear Energy Through Nuclear Fission. Source: “Frequently Asked Questions about Nuclear Energy” by John McCarthy. April 2007. {draw:frame} *12.2 ADVANTAGES OF NUCLEAR ENERGY*. Nuclear power has important implications for the United State’s national security. Cheap nuclear energy, along with fuel cell technology will reduce America’s dependency on foreign oil. The Earth has only a limited supply of coal and oil. Nuclear power plants can produce electricity after coal and oil become scarce. Coal and oil burning plants pollute the air. Well operated nuclear power plants do not release contaminants into the environment. Nuclear power plants need less fuel than ones which burn fossil fuels. One ton of uranium produces more energy than is produced by several million tons of coal or several million barrels of oil (Nuclear Energy, pg, 15). Nuclear energy generates about 2,000 tons of...

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