The term nuclear power refers to the production of electrical energy via control

Question

The term nuclear power refers to the production of electrical energy via controlled nuclear reactions. These reactions generate heat that, in turn, creates steam that runs the generators to produce electricity. Approximately 1/8th of the electricity produced in the world is derived from nuclear power. In this assignment, you will analyze the use of nuclear power as an energy resource. Respond to the following: Discuss the scientific and technical concepts related to the use of nuclear power as an energy resource. Address the following in your response: How is energy released in a nuclear reaction? How are nuclear reactions controlled? What elements are involved in nuclear power production? What nuclear forces are involved? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy, detailing issues related to production, delivery, cost, radiation, air quality, and waste. Identify a country whose electricity production infrastructure relies heavily on nuclear power. Compare and contrast the use of nuclear power in the United States with the use of nuclear power in this country. Provide examples of the use of nuclear power in your community or state. Consider the three major nuclear accidents in the history of the industry: 3-Mile Island (USA), Chernobyl (Ukraine), and Fukushima Dai-Ichi (Japan). What lessons have been learned from these nuclear accidents that can be or have been used to make nuclear power safer?

Explanation / Answer

Energy release in nuclear reaction: Energy in the nuclear reaction is released through two processes. One is nuclear fission and the other is nuclear fusion. In Nuclear fission reaction, nucleus is divided into smaller nuclei by shooting neutrons resulting in the release of energy. Fission reactions occur often. It is the major form of process involved in the generation of nuclear power in the power plants. An example od nuclear fission is the Little boy and Fat man nuclear bombs used by U.S to drop in Japan during the second world war. Nuclear fusion is the process of combining two nuclei to form a different nucleus. Energy is released in this formation. Stellar energy that is the energy released by stars is the form of nuclear fusion, by fusing hydrogen and helium nucleus. Control of nuclear reactions: Nuclear reactions are a chain reaction. In the production of power, it can be controlled by placing control rods between the nuclear fuel rods. These control rods absorbs the neutrons passed therby allowing lesser neutrons to divide the nucleus. This is how the number of neutrons necessary to react with the nuclei is controlled. If the allowable neutrons is lesser, the reaction will stop and if it is more then the nuclear explosion takes place. Elements involved in the nuclear power production: In the power production, Uranium and Lead are used to produce the power through nuclear fission reactions. Nuclear forces involved: Nuclear forces involved are the protons which stick together against the electrostatic force due to the proximity of protons. Nuclear force becomes stronger than the elctrostatic force and hence the protons stick together in the nuclear reactions.

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