essay on atomic energy

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• School Education /

Essay on Nuclear Energy in 500+ words for School Students 

• Updated on  
• Dec 30, 2023

Essay on Nuclear Energy: Nuclear energy has been fascinating and controversial since the beginning. Using atomic power to generate electricity holds the promise of huge energy supplies but we cannot overlook the concerns about safety, environmental impact, and the increase in potential weapon increase. 

The blog will help you to explore various aspects of energy seeking its history, advantages, disadvantages, and role in addressing the global energy challenge. 

Table of Contents

• 1 History Overview
• 2 Nuclear Technology 
• 3 Advantages of Nuclear Energy
• 4 Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
• 5 Safety Measures and Regulations of Nuclear Energy
• 6 Concerns of Nuclear Proliferation
• 7 Future Prospects and Innovations of Nuclear Energy
• 8 FAQs 

Also Read: Find List of Nuclear Power Plants In India

History Overview

The roots of nuclear energy have their roots back to the early 20th century when innovative discoveries in physics laid the foundation for understanding atomic structure. In the year 1938, Otto Hahn, a German chemist and Fritz Stassman, a German physical chemist discovered nuclear fission, the splitting of atomic nuclei. This discovery opened the way for utilising the immense energy released during the process of fission. 

Also Read: What are the Different Types of Energy?

Nuclear Technology 

Nuclear power plants use controlled fission to produce heat. The heat generated is further used to produce steam, by turning the turbines connected to generators that produce electricity. This process takes place in two types of reactors: Pressurized Water Reactors (PWR) and Boiling Water Reactors (BWR). PWRs use pressurised water to transfer heat. Whereas, BWRs allow water to boil, which produces steam directly. 

Also Read: Nuclear Engineering Course: Universities and Careers

Advantages of Nuclear Energy

Let us learn about the positive aspects of nuclear energy in the following:

1. High Energy Density

Nuclear energy possesses an unparalleled energy density which means that a small amount of nuclear fuel can produce a substantial amount of electricity. This high energy density efficiency makes nuclear power reliable and powerful.

2. Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Unlike other traditional fossil fuels, nuclear power generation produces minimum greenhouse gas emissions during electricity generation. The low greenhouse gas emissions feature positions nuclear energy as a potential solution to weakening climate change.

3. Base Load Power

Nuclear power plants provide consistent, baseload power, continuously operating at a stable output level. This makes nuclear energy reliable for meeting the constant demand for electricity, complementing intermittent renewable sources of energy like wind and solar. 

Also Read: How to Become a Nuclear Engineer in India?

Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy

After learning the pros of nuclear energy, now let’s switch to the cons of nuclear energy.

1. Radioactive Waste

One of the most important challenges that is associated with nuclear energy is the management and disposal of radioactive waste. Nuclear power gives rise to spent fuel and other radioactive byproducts that require secure, long-term storage solutions.

2. Nuclear Accidents

The two catastrophic accidents at Chornobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011 underlined the potential risks of nuclear power. These nuclear accidents can lead to severe environmental contamination, human casualties, and long-lasting negative perceptions of the technology. 

3. High Initial Costs

The construction of nuclear power plants includes substantial upfront costs. Moreover, stringent safety measures contribute to the overall expenses, which makes nuclear energy economically challenging compared to some renewable alternatives. 

Also Read: What is the IAEA Full Form?

Safety Measures and Regulations of Nuclear Energy

After recognizing the potential risks associated with nuclear energy, strict safety measures and regulations have been implemented worldwide. These safety measures include reactor design improvements, emergency preparedness, and ongoing monitoring of the plant operations. Regulatory bodies, such as the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the United States, play an important role in overseeing and enforcing safety standards. 

Also Read: What is the Full Form of AEC?

Concerns of Nuclear Proliferation

The dual-use nature of nuclear technology raises concerns about the spread of nuclear weapons. The same nuclear technology used for the peaceful generation of electricity can be diverted for military purposes. International efforts, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), aim to help the proliferation of nuclear weapons and promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy. 

Also Read: Dr. Homi J. Bhabha’s Education, Inventions & Discoveries

Future Prospects and Innovations of Nuclear Energy

The ongoing research and development into advanced reactor technologies are part of nuclear energy. Concepts like small modular reactors (SMRs) and Generation IV reactors aim to address safety, efficiency, and waste management concerns. Moreover, the exploration of nuclear fusion as a clean and virtually limitless energy source represents an innovation for future energy solutions. 

Nuclear energy stands at the crossroads of possibility and peril, offering the possibility of addressing the world´s growing energy needs while posing important challenges. Striking a balance between utilising the benefits of nuclear power and alleviating its risks requires ongoing technological innovation, powerful safety measures, and international cooperation. 

As we drive the complexities of perspective challenges of nuclear energy, the role of nuclear energy in the global energy mix remains a subject of ongoing debate and exploration. 

Also Read: Essay on Science and Technology for Students: 100, 200, 350 Words

Ans. Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear reactions. Its importance lies in generating electricity, medical applications, and powering spacecraft.

Ans. Nuclear energy is exploited from the nucleus of atoms through processes like fission or fusion. It is a powerful and controversial energy source with applications in power generation and various technologies. 

Ans. The five benefits of nuclear energy include: 1. Less greenhouse gas emissions 2. High energy density 3. Continuos power generation  4. Relatively low fuel consumption 5. Potential for reducing dependence on fossil fuels

Ans. Three important facts about nuclear energy: a. Nuclear fission releases a significant amount of energy. b. Nuclear power plants use controlled fission reactions to generate electricity. c. Nuclear fusion, combining atomic nuclei, is a potential future energy source.

Ans. Nuclear energy is considered best due to its low carbon footprint, high energy output, and potential to address energy needs. However, concerns about safety, radioactive waste, and proliferation risk are challenges that need careful consideration.

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Deepika Joshi

Deepika Joshi is an experienced content writer with educational and informative content expertise. She has hands-on experience in Education, Study Abroad and EdTech SaaS. Her strengths lie in conducting thorough research and analysis to provide accurate and up-to-date information to readers. She enjoys staying updated on new skills and knowledge, particularly in the education domain. In her free time, she loves to read articles, and blogs related to her field to expand her expertise further. In her personal life, she loves creative writing and aspires to connect with innovative people who have fresh ideas to offer.

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Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is the energy in the nucleus, or core, of an atom. Nuclear energy can be used to create electricity, but it must first be released from the atom.

Engineering, Physics

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Nuclear energy is the energy in the nucleus , or core, of an atom . Atoms are tiny units that make up all matter in the universe , and energy is what holds the nucleus together. There is a huge amount of energy in an atom 's dense nucleus . In fact, the power that holds the nucleus together is officially called the " strong force ." Nuclear energy can be used to create electricity , but it must first be released from the atom . In the process of  nuclear fission , atoms are split to release that energy. A nuclear reactor , or power plant , is a series of machines that can control nuclear fission to produce electricity . The fuel that nuclear reactors use to produce nuclear fission is pellets of the element uranium . In a nuclear reactor , atoms of uranium are forced to break apart. As they split, the atoms release tiny particles called fission products. Fission products cause other uranium atoms to split, starting a chain reaction . The energy released from this chain reaction creates heat. The heat created by nuclear fission warms the reactor's cooling agent . A cooling agent is usually water, but some nuclear reactors use liquid metal or molten salt . The cooling agent , heated by nuclear fission , produces steam . The steam turns turbines , or wheels turned by a flowing current . The turbines drive generators , or engines that create electricity . Rods of material called nuclear poison can adjust how much electricity is produced. Nuclear poisons are materials, such as a type of the element xenon , that absorb some of the fission products created by nuclear fission . The more rods of nuclear poison that are present during the chain reaction , the slower and more controlled the reaction will be. Removing the rods will allow a stronger chain reaction and create more electricity . As of 2011, about 15 percent of the world's electricity is generated by nuclear power plants . The United States has more than 100 reactors, although it creates most of its electricity from fossil fuels and hydroelectric energy . Nations such as Lithuania, France, and Slovakia create almost all of their electricity from nuclear power plants . Nuclear Food: Uranium Uranium is the fuel most widely used to produce nuclear energy . That's because uranium atoms split apart relatively easily. Uranium is also a very common element, found in rocks all over the world. However, the specific type of uranium used to produce nuclear energy , called U-235 , is rare. U-235 makes up less than one percent of the uranium in the world.

Although some of the uranium the United States uses is mined in this country, most is imported . The U.S. gets uranium from Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Once uranium is mined, it must be extracted from other minerals . It must also be processed before it can be used. Because nuclear fuel can be used to create nuclear weapons as well as nuclear reactors , only nations that are part of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) are allowed to import uranium or plutonium , another nuclear fuel . The treaty promotes the peaceful use of nuclear fuel , as well as limiting the spread of nuclear weapons . A typical nuclear reactor uses about 200 tons of uranium every year. Complex processes allow some uranium and plutonium to be re-enriched or recycled . This reduces the amount of mining , extracting , and processing that needs to be done. Nuclear Energy and People Nuclear energy produces electricity that can be used to power homes, schools, businesses, and hospitals. The first nuclear reactor to produce electricity was located near Arco, Idaho. The Experimental Breeder Reactor began powering itself in 1951. The first nuclear power plant designed to provide energy to a community was established in Obninsk, Russia, in 1954. Building nuclear reactors requires a high level of technology , and only the countries that have signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty can get the uranium or plutonium that is required. For these reasons, most nuclear power plants are located in the developed world. Nuclear power plants produce renewable, clean energy . They do not pollute the air or release  greenhouse gases . They can be built in urban or rural areas , and do not radically alter the environment around them. The steam powering the turbines and generators is ultimately recycled . It is cooled down in a separate structure called a cooling tower . The steam turns back into water and can be used again to produce more electricity . Excess steam is simply recycled into the atmosphere , where it does little harm as clean water vapor . However, the byproduct of nuclear energy is radioactive material. Radioactive material is a collection of unstable atomic nuclei . These nuclei lose their energy and can affect many materials around them, including organisms and the environment. Radioactive material can be extremely toxic , causing burns and increasing the risk for cancers , blood diseases, and bone decay .

Radioactive waste is what is left over from the operation of a nuclear reactor . Radioactive waste is mostly protective clothing worn by workers, tools, and any other material that have been in contact with radioactive dust. Radioactive waste is long-lasting. Materials like clothes and tools can stay radioactive for thousands of years. The government regulates how these materials are disposed of so they don't contaminate anything else. Used fuel and rods of nuclear poison are extremely radioactive . The used uranium pellets must be stored in special containers that look like large swimming pools. Water cools the fuel and insulates the outside from contact with the radioactivity. Some nuclear plants store their used fuel in dry storage tanks above ground. The storage sites for radioactive waste have become very controversial in the United States. For years, the government planned to construct an enormous nuclear waste facility near Yucca Mountain, Nevada, for instance. Environmental groups and local citizens protested the plan. They worried about radioactive waste leaking into the water supply and the Yucca Mountain environment, about 130 kilometers (80 miles) from the large urban area of Las Vegas, Nevada. Although the government began investigating the site in 1978, it stopped planning for a nuclear waste facility in Yucca Mountain in 2009. Chernobyl Critics of nuclear energy worry that the storage facilities for radioactive waste will leak, crack, or erode . Radioactive material could then contaminate the soil and groundwater near the facility . This could lead to serious health problems for the people and organisms in the area. All communities would have to be evacuated . This is what happened in Chernobyl, Ukraine, in 1986. A steam explosion at one of the power plants four nuclear reactors caused a fire, called a plume . This plume was highly radioactive , creating a cloud of radioactive particles that fell to the ground, called fallout . The fallout spread over the Chernobyl facility , as well as the surrounding area. The fallout drifted with the wind, and the particles entered the water cycle as rain. Radioactivity traced to Chernobyl fell as rain over Scotland and Ireland. Most of the radioactive fallout fell in Belarus.

The environmental impact of the Chernobyl disaster was immediate . For kilometers around the facility , the pine forest dried up and died. The red color of the dead pines earned this area the nickname the Red Forest . Fish from the nearby Pripyat River had so much radioactivity that people could no longer eat them. Cattle and horses in the area died. More than 100,000 people were relocated after the disaster , but the number of human victims of Chernobyl is difficult to determine . The effects of radiation poisoning only appear after many years. Cancers and other diseases can be very difficult to trace to a single source. Future of Nuclear Energy Nuclear reactors use fission, or the splitting of atoms , to produce energy. Nuclear energy can also be produced through fusion, or joining (fusing) atoms together. The sun, for instance, is constantly undergoing nuclear fusion as hydrogen atoms fuse to form helium . Because all life on our planet depends on the sun, you could say that nuclear fusion makes life on Earth possible. Nuclear power plants do not have the capability to safely and reliably produce energy from nuclear fusion . It's not clear whether the process will ever be an option for producing electricity . Nuclear engineers are researching nuclear fusion , however, because the process will likely be safe and cost-effective.

Nuclear Tectonics The decay of uranium deep inside the Earth is responsible for most of the planet's geothermal energy, causing plate tectonics and continental drift.

Three Mile Island The worst nuclear accident in the United States happened at the Three Mile Island facility near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in 1979. The cooling system in one of the two reactors malfunctioned, leading to an emission of radioactive fallout. No deaths or injuries were directly linked to the accident.

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Related Resources

Nuclear energy protects air quality by producing massive amounts of carbon-free electricity. It powers communities in 28 U.S. states and contributes to many non-electric applications, ranging from the  medical field to space exploration .

The Office of Nuclear Energy within the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) focuses its research primarily on maintaining the existing fleet of reactors, developing new advanced reactor technologies, and improving the nuclear fuel cycle to increase the sustainability of our energy supply and strengthen the U.S. economy.

Below are some of the main advantages of nuclear energy and the challenges currently facing the industry today.

Advantages of Nuclear Energy

Clean energy source.

Nuclear is the largest source of clean power in the United States. It generates nearly 775 billion kilowatthours of electricity each year and produces nearly half of the nation’s emissions-free electricity. This avoids more than 471 million metric tons of carbon each year, which is the equivalent of removing 100 million cars off of the road.

Creates Jobs

The nuclear industry supports nearly half a million jobs in the United States. Domestic nuclear power plants can employ up to 800 workers with salaries that are 50% higher than those of other generation sources. They also contribute billions of dollars annually to local economies through federal and state tax revenues.

Supports National Security

A strong civilian nuclear sector is essential to U.S. national security and energy diplomacy. The United States must maintain its global leadership in this arena to influence the peaceful use of nuclear technologies. The U.S. government works with countries in this capacity to build relationships and develop new opportunities for the nation’s nuclear technologies.

Challenges of Nuclear Energy

Public awareness.

Commercial nuclear power is sometimes viewed by the general public as a dangerous or unstable process. This perception is often based on three global nuclear accidents, its false association with nuclear weapons, and how it is portrayed on popular television shows and films.

DOE and its national labs are working with industry to develop new reactors and fuels that will increase the overall performance of these technologies and reduce the amount of nuclear waste that is produced.  

DOE also works to provide accurate, fact-based information about nuclear energy through its social media and STEM outreach efforts to educate the public on the benefits of nuclear energy.

Used Fuel Transportation, Storage and Disposal

Many people view used fuel as a growing problem and are apprehensive about its transportation, storage, and disposal. DOE is responsible for the eventual disposal and associated transport of all used fuel , most of which is currently securely stored at more than 70 sites in 35 states. For the foreseeable future, this fuel can safely remain at these facilities until a permanent disposal solution is determined by Congress.

DOE is currently evaluating nuclear power plant sites and nearby transportation infrastructure to support the eventual transport of used fuel away from these sites.

Subject to appropriations, the Department is moving forward on a government-owned consolidated interim storage facility project that includes rail transportation . 

The location of the storage facility would be selected through DOE's consent-based siting process that puts communities at the forefront and would ultimately reduce the number of locations where commercial spent nuclear fuel is stored in the United States.  

Constructing New Power Plants

Building a nuclear power plant can be discouraging for stakeholders. Conventional reactor designs are considered multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects. High capital costs, licensing and regulation approvals, coupled with long lead times and construction delays, have also deterred public interest.

Microreactor (left) - Small Modular Reactor (right)

DOE is rebuilding its nuclear workforce by  supporting the construction  of two new reactors at Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Georgia. The units are the first new reactors to begin construction in the United States in more than 30 years. The expansion project supported up to 9,000 workers at peak construction and created 800 permanent jobs at the facility when the units came online in 2023 and 2024.

DOE is also supporting the development of smaller reactor designs, such as  microreactors  and  small modular reactors , that will offer even more flexibility in size and power capacity to the customer. These factory-built systems are expected to dramatically reduce construction timelines and will make nuclear more affordable to build and operate.

High Operating Costs

Challenging market conditions have left the nuclear industry struggling to compete. DOE’s  Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) program  is working to overcome these economic challenges by modernizing plant systems to reduce operation and maintenance costs, while improving performance. In addition to its materials research that supports the long-term operation of the nation’s fleet of reactors, the program is also looking to diversify plant products through non-electric applications such as water desalination and  hydrogen production .

To further improve operating costs. DOE is also working with industry to develop new fuels and cladding known as  accident tolerant fuels . These new fuels could increase plant performance, allowing for longer response times and will produce less waste. Accident tolerant fuels could gain widespread use by 2025.

*Update June 2024

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124 Nuclear Power Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Nuclear power is a controversial topic that has been debated for decades. While some believe it is a necessary form of energy production to combat climate change, others are concerned about the potential risks and dangers associated with nuclear power plants. If you are tasked with writing an essay on nuclear power, it can be challenging to come up with a unique and engaging topic. To help you get started, here are 124 nuclear power essay topic ideas and examples:

• The history of nuclear power development
• The pros and cons of nuclear power as an energy source
• The environmental impact of nuclear power plants
• The economic benefits of nuclear power
• The safety measures in place at nuclear power plants
• The Chernobyl disaster and its impact on the nuclear power industry
• The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster and its aftermath
• The role of nuclear power in combating climate change
• The future of nuclear power in the energy industry
• The ethical considerations of using nuclear power
• The health risks associated with nuclear power plants
• The nuclear arms race and its impact on nuclear power development
• The social implications of living near a nuclear power plant
• The role of nuclear power in national security
• The public perception of nuclear power
• The nuclear waste disposal problem
• The benefits of nuclear power compared to other forms of energy production
• The impact of nuclear power on wildlife and ecosystems
• The potential for nuclear power to provide energy independence
• The political debate surrounding nuclear power
• The technological advancements in nuclear power
• The cost of building and maintaining nuclear power plants
• The role of nuclear power in developing countries
• The nuclear power industry's lobbying efforts
• The role of nuclear power in space exploration
• The impact of nuclear power on water resources
• The role of nuclear power in the future of transportation
• The potential for nuclear power to be a renewable energy source
• The role of nuclear power in disaster response
• The impact of nuclear power on air quality
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in desalination plants
• The impact of nuclear power on human health
• The role of nuclear power in reducing greenhouse gas emissions
• The impact of nuclear power on indigenous communities
• The role of nuclear power in energy security
• The impact of nuclear power on agriculture
• The role of nuclear power in reducing poverty
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in medical treatments
• The impact of nuclear power on land use
• The role of nuclear power in disaster recovery efforts
• The impact of nuclear power on cultural heritage
• The role of nuclear power in international relations
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in space colonization
• The impact of nuclear power on education
• The role of nuclear power in reducing energy poverty
• The impact of nuclear power on gender equality
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in agriculture
• The impact of nuclear power on mental health
• The role of nuclear power in sustainable development
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in disaster relief efforts
• The impact of nuclear power on human rights
• The role of nuclear power in addressing climate change
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in disaster preparedness
• The impact of nuclear power on indigenous rights
• The role of nuclear power in addressing social inequality
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in environmental conservation
• The impact of nuclear power on economic development
• The role of nuclear power in promoting peace
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in humanitarian efforts
• The impact of nuclear power on cultural diversity
• The role of nuclear power in promoting democracy
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in conflict resolution
• The impact of nuclear power on human security
• The role of nuclear power in promoting human rights
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in promoting sustainability
• The impact of nuclear power on political stability
• The role of nuclear power in promoting peacebuilding
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in promoting social justice
• The impact of nuclear power on environmental justice
• The role of nuclear power in promoting gender equality
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in promoting economic development
• The impact of nuclear power on promoting cultural diversity
• The role of nuclear power in promoting environmental conservation
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in promoting social equality
• The impact of nuclear power on promoting peace and security
• The role of nuclear power in promoting sustainable development
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in promoting democracy and human rights
• The impact of nuclear power on promoting political stability
• The role of nuclear power in promoting human security and resilience
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in promoting environmental sustainability
• The impact of nuclear power on promoting social justice and equity
• The role of nuclear power in promoting economic growth and prosperity
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in promoting cultural diversity and heritage
• The impact of nuclear power on promoting gender equality and empowerment
• The role of nuclear power in promoting indigenous rights and sovereignty
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in promoting environmental justice and sustainability
• The impact of nuclear power on promoting political stability and peace
• The role of nuclear power in promoting social justice and equality
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in promoting human rights and democracy
• The impact of nuclear power on promoting economic development and prosperity
• The role of nuclear power in promoting cultural diversity and heritage preservation
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in promoting gender equality and empowerment
• The impact of nuclear power on promoting indigenous rights and sovereignty
• The role of nuclear power in promoting environmental justice and sustainability
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in promoting political stability and peace
• The impact of nuclear power on promoting social justice and equality
• The potential for nuclear power to be used in promoting cultural diversity and heritage preservation

Whether you are writing a research paper, argumentative essay, or informative piece on nuclear power, these topics should provide you with plenty of inspiration and direction for your writing. Remember to thoroughly research your chosen topic and provide evidence to support your claims. Happy writing!

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Essay on Nuclear Energy

Students are often asked to write an essay on Nuclear Energy in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Nuclear Energy

Introduction.

Nuclear energy is a powerful source of energy generated from atomic reactions. It is created from the splitting of atoms, a process known as nuclear fission.

Production of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is produced in nuclear power plants. These plants use uranium, a mineral, as fuel. The heat generated from nuclear fission is used to create steam, which spins a turbine to generate electricity.

Benefits of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is very efficient. It produces a large amount of energy from a small amount of uranium. It also does not emit harmful greenhouse gases, making it environmentally friendly.

Drawbacks of Nuclear Energy

Despite its benefits, nuclear energy has drawbacks. The most significant is the production of radioactive waste, which is dangerous and hard to dispose of. It also poses a risk of nuclear accidents.

250 Words Essay on Nuclear Energy

Introduction to nuclear energy.

Nuclear energy, a powerful and complex energy source, is derived from splitting atoms in a process known as nuclear fission. Its significant energy output and low greenhouse gas emissions make it a potential solution to the world’s increasing energy demands.

Production and Efficiency

Nuclear power plants operate by using nuclear fission to generate heat, which then produces steam to turn turbines and generate electricity. The efficiency of nuclear energy is unparalleled, with one kilogram of uranium-235 producing approximately three million times the energy of a kilogram of coal.

Environmental Implications

Nuclear energy is often considered a clean energy source due to its minimal carbon footprint. However, the production of nuclear energy also results in radioactive waste, the disposal of which poses significant environmental challenges.

Security and Ethical Concerns

The utilization of nuclear energy is not without its risks. Accidents like those at Chernobyl and Fukushima have highlighted the potential for catastrophic damage. Furthermore, the proliferation of nuclear technology raises ethical concerns about its potential misuse for military purposes.

Future of Nuclear Energy

The future of nuclear energy hinges on technological advancements and policy decisions. The development of safer, more efficient reactors and sustainable waste disposal methods could mitigate some of the risks associated with nuclear energy. Additionally, international cooperation is crucial to ensure the peaceful and secure use of nuclear technology.

In conclusion, nuclear energy presents a potent solution to the energy crisis, but it also brings significant challenges. Balancing its benefits against the associated risks requires careful consideration and responsible action.

500 Words Essay on Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy, a powerful and complex form of energy, is derived from splitting atoms in a reactor to heat water into steam, turn a turbine, and generate electricity. Ninety-four nuclear reactors in 28 states, approximately 20% of total electricity production in the United States, are powered by this process. Globally, nuclear energy is a significant source of power, contributing to about 10% of the world’s total electricity supply.

The Mechanics of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is produced through a process called nuclear fission. This process involves the splitting of uranium atoms in a nuclear reactor, which releases an immense amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation. The heat generated is then used to boil water, create steam, and power turbines that generate electricity.

The fuel for nuclear reactors, uranium, is abundant and can be found in many parts of the world, making nuclear energy a viable option for countries without significant fossil fuel resources. Moreover, the energy produced by a single uranium atom split is a million times greater than that from burning a single coal or gas molecule, making nuclear power a highly efficient energy source.

Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is also reliable. Unlike renewable energy sources like wind and solar, nuclear power plants can operate continuously and are not dependent on weather conditions. They can provide a steady, uninterrupted supply of electricity, which is crucial for the functioning of modern societies.

However, nuclear energy also has significant drawbacks. The risk of nuclear accidents, while statistically low, can have devastating and long-lasting impacts, as seen in Chernobyl and Fukushima. Additionally, the disposal of nuclear waste poses a serious challenge due to its long-term radioactivity.

The Future of Nuclear Energy

Advancements in nuclear technology, such as the development of small modular reactors and fourth-generation reactors, could address some of these concerns. These technologies promise to be safer, more efficient, and produce less nuclear waste, potentially paving the way for a nuclear renaissance.

In conclusion, nuclear energy presents a compelling paradox. It offers a high-energy, low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels, yet it carries significant risks and challenges. As we move towards a more sustainable future, it is crucial to weigh these factors and make informed decisions about the role of nuclear energy in our global energy mix.

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The Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy

Since the first nuclear plant started operations in the 1950s, the world has been highly divided on nuclear as a source of energy. While it is a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, this type of power is also associated with some of the world’s most dangerous and deadliest weapons, not to mention nuclear disasters . The extremely high cost and lengthy process to build nuclear plants are compensated by the fact that producing nuclear energy is not nearly as polluting as oil and coal. In the race to net-zero carbon emissions, should countries still rely on nuclear energy or should they make space for more fossil fuels and renewable energy sources? We take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy. 

What Is Nuclear Energy?

Nuclear energy is the energy source found in an atom’s nucleus, or core. Once extracted, this energy can be used to produce electricity by creating nuclear fission in a reactor through two kinds of atomic reaction: nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. During the latter, uranium used as fuel causes atoms to split into two or more nuclei. The energy released from fission generates heat that brings a cooling agent, usually water, to boil. The steam deriving from boiling or pressurised water is then channelled to spin turbines to generate electricity. To produce nuclear fission, reactors make use of uranium as fuel.

For centuries, the industrialisation of economies around the world was made possible by fossil fuels like coal, natural gas, and petroleum and only in recent years countries opened up to alternative, renewable sources like solar and wind energy. In the 1950s, early commercial nuclear power stations started operations, offering to many countries around the world an alternative to oil and gas import dependency and a far less polluting energy source than fossil fuels. Following the 1970s energy crisis and the dramatic increase of oil prices that resulted from it, more and more countries decided to embark on nuclear power programmes. Indeed, most reactors have been built  between 1970 and 1985 worldwide. Today, nuclear energy meets around 10% of global energy demand , with 439 currently operational nuclear plants in 32 countries and about 55 new reactors under construction.

In 2020, 13 countries produced at least one-quarter of their total electricity from nuclear, with the US, China, and France dominating the market by far. 

Fossil fuels make up 60% of the United States’ electricity while the remaining 40% is equally split between renewables and nuclear power. France embarked on a sweeping expansion of its nuclear power industry in the 1970s with the ultimate goal of breaking its dependence on foreign oil. In doing this, the country was able to build up its economy by simultaneously cutting its emissions at a rate never seen before. Today, France is home to 56 operating reactors and it relies on nuclear power for 70% of its electricity . 

You might also like: A ‘Breakthrough’ In Nuclear Fusion: What Does It Mean for the Future of Energy Generation?

Advantages of Nuclear Energy

France’s success in cutting down emissions is a clear example of some of the main advantages of nuclear energy over fossil fuels. First and foremost, nuclear energy is clean and it provides pollution-free power with no greenhouse gas emissions. Contrary to what many believe, cooling towers in nuclear plants only emit water vapour and are thus, not releasing any pollutant or radioactive substance into the atmosphere. Compared to all the energy alternatives we currently have on hand, many experts believe that nuclear energy is indeed one of the cleanest sources. Many nuclear energy supporters also argue that nuclear power is responsible for the fastest decarbonisation effort in history , with big nuclear players like France, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and South Korea being among the countries that recorded the fastest decline in carbon intensity and experienced a clean energy transition by building nuclear reactors and hydroelectric dams.

Earlier this year, the European Commission took a clear stance on nuclear power by labelling it a green source of energy in its classification system establishing a list of environmentally sustainable economic activities. While nuclear energy may be clean and its production emission-free, experts highlight a hidden danger of this power: nuclear waste. The highly radioactive and toxic byproduct from nuclear reactors can remain radioactive for tens of thousands of years. However, this is still considered a much easier environmental problem to solve than climate change. The main reason for this is that as much as 90% of the nuclear waste generated by the production of nuclear energy can be recycled. Indeed, the fuel used in a reactor, typically uranium, can be treated and put into another reactor as only a small amount of energy in their fuel is extracted in the fission process.

A rather important advantage of nuclear energy is that it is much safer than fossil fuels from a public health perspective. The pro-nuclear movement leverages the fact that nuclear waste is not even remotely as dangerous as the toxic chemicals coming from fossil fuels. Indeed, coal and oil act as ‘ invisible killers ’ and are responsible for 1 in 5 deaths worldwide . In 2018 alone, fossil fuels killed 8.7 million people globally. In contrast, in nearly 70 years since the beginning of nuclear power, only three accidents have raised public alarm: the 1979 Three Mile Island accident, the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Of these, only the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear plant in Ukraine directly caused any deaths.

Finally, nuclear energy has some advantages compared to some of the most popular renewable energy sources. According to the US Office of Nuclear Energy , nuclear power has by far the highest capacity factor, with plants requiring less maintenance, capable to operate for up to two years before refuelling and able to produce maximum power more than 93% of the time during the year, making them three times more reliable than wind and solar plants. 

You might also like: Nuclear Energy: A Silver Bullet For Clean Energy?

Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy

The anti-nuclear movement opposes the use of this type of energy for several reasons. The first and currently most talked about disadvantage of nuclear energy is the nuclear weapon proliferation, a debate triggered by the deadly atomic bombing of the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the Second World War and recently reopened following rising concerns over nuclear escalation in the Ukraine-Russia conflict . After the world saw the highly destructive effect of these bombs, which caused the death of tens of thousands of people, not only in the impact itself but also in the days, weeks, and months after the tragedy as a consequence of radiation sickness, nuclear energy evolved to a pure means of generating electricity. In 1970, the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons entered into force. Its objective was to prevent the spread of such weapons to eventually achieve nuclear disarmament as well as promote peaceful uses of nuclear energy. However, opposers of this energy source still see nuclear energy as being deeply intertwined with nuclear weapons technologies and believe that, with nuclear technologies becoming globally available, the risk of them falling into the wrong hands is high, especially in countries with high levels of corruption and instability. 

As mentioned in the previous section, nuclear energy is clean. However, radioactive nuclear waste contains highly poisonous chemicals like plutonium and the uranium pellets used as fuel. These materials can be extremely toxic for tens of thousands of years and for this reason, they need to be meticulously and permanently disposed of. Since the 1950s, a stockpile of 250,000 tonnes of highly radioactive nuclear waste has been accumulated and distributed across the world, with 90,000 metric tons stored in the US alone. Knowing the dangers of nuclear waste, many oppose nuclear energy for fears of accidents, despite these being extremely unlikely to happen. Indeed, opposers know that when nuclear does fail, it can fail spectacularly. They were reminded of this in 2011, when the Fukushima disaster, despite not killing anyone directly, led to the displacement of more than 150,000 people, thousands of evacuation/related deaths and billions of dollars in cleanup costs. 

Lastly, if compared to other sources of energy, nuclear power is one of the most expensive and time-consuming forms of energy. Nuclear plants cost billions of dollars to build and they take much longer than any other infrastructure for renewable energy, sometimes even more than a decade. However, while nuclear power plants are expensive to build, they are relatively cheap to run , a factor that improves its competitiveness. Still, the long building process is considered a significant obstacle in the run to net-zero emissions that countries around the world have committed to. If they hope to meet their emission reduction targets in time, they cannot afford to rely on new nuclear plants.

You might also like: The Nuclear Waste Disposal Dilemma

Who Wins the Nuclear Debate?

There are a multitude of advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy and the debate on whether to keep this technology or find other alternatives is destined to continue in the years to come.

Nuclear power can be a highly destructive weapon, but the risks of a nuclear catastrophe are relatively low. While historic nuclear disasters can be counted on the fingers of a single hand, they are remembered for their devastating impact and the life-threatening consequences they sparked (or almost sparked). However, it is important to remember that fossil fuels like coal and oil represent a much bigger threat and silently kill millions of people every year worldwide. 

Another big aspect to take into account, and one that is currently discussed by global leaders, is the dependence of some of the world’s largest economies on countries like Russia, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq for fossil fuels. While the 2011 Fukushima disaster, for example, pushed the then-German Chancellor Angela Merkel to close all of Germany’s nuclear plants, her decision only increased the country’s dependence on much more polluting Russian oil. Nuclear supporters argue that relying on nuclear energy would decrease the energy dependency from third countries. However, raw materials such as the uranium needed to make plants function would still need to be imported from countries like Canada, Kazakhstan, and Australia.

The debate thus shifts to another problem: which countries should we rely on for imports and, most importantly, is it worth keeping these dependencies?

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Nuclear Power Essay IELTS 2024: Writing Task 2 Latest Samples

• Last Updated On July 29, 2024
• Published In IELTS Preparation 💻

The IELTS exam tests how well-versed you are in the English language. It consists of four papers: reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Essay writing can be daunting if you’re not conversant in its framework and concept. This blog will assist you in writing Nuclear Power Essay IELTS and guide you on how to crack IELTS writing task 2.

Table of Content

We’ll focus more on the nuclear power essay during this blog and walk you through the process. For guidance and reference on other topics and any other help regarding the IELTS exam, you can look through our website’s collection of blogs and obtain the assistance you need, including writing task 2 topics with answers .

Nuclear Power Essay IELTS Sample Answer

Nuclear power is a very debated topic in every convention and has always been questioned for the bad it does rather than its good. In my opinion, nuclear power needs to be used, and the user should also be controlled and hedged with renewable energy sources as they are the only viable solution. Nuclear plants currently provide 11% of the world’s electricity. With an ever-increasing demand for electricity being seen everywhere and the fossil fuels reducing each day, it is now more important than ever that major decisions should be made. In the upcoming decades, energy consumption will only increase and meet the rising demand; nuclear power plants will be required as they are the best source of traditional energy-producing sources. Although nuclear power plants are required, it is also necessary to gradually push renewable energy sources and promote them to create a sustainable future for future generations. Nuclear power plants’ waste disposal and radioactivity are the concerning factors that have been the hot topic of most debates at conventions and meetings. In addition to that, a single misuse of this tremendous power can result in the disruption of life for all mankind. Striking a balance between the two will be crucial in the coming time as global warming and the energy crisis are on a constant rise. If nothing is done in the near time, countries could get submerged underwater within the coming decades, and the entire world will have to fight for survival.

Writing Task 2

The writing section of the IELTS exam consists of two sections. Writing task 2 is an essay writing task that requires deep thinking and coherence. This task will be our focus for this blog, as the rules and guidelines of the IELTS exam can be confusing for students appearing for the first time. Writing task 2 has the subsequent guidelines:

• The essay should have a minimum of 250 words. An essay written in less than 250 words will be penalised and negatively marked. There is no penalty for writing a longer essay, but it will cause you to stray off-topic and waste time.
• 40 minutes is a good enough time to complete this task and will leave you with time to recheck your answer.
• The essay’s contents should be written with perfect grammar and solely focused on the topic.
• You can be penalised if you stray off-topic while writing your essay. All the sentences must be related and formed to provide a clear view and information.
• The content must be well structured to fetch the best results and have proper cohesion between the sentences.
• The tone of your answer must be academic or semi-formal and should discuss the given topic at length and focus on proper and sophisticated language.
• Using bullet points and notes is not allowed in the IELTS exam . The real answer must be written together and broken into paragraphs to better examine your writing style and structure.

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Structure of Essay in Writing Task 2

The structure of the essay in writing task 2 is the base of your essay, and a clear idea of the structure will make it much easier for you to finish the essay on time. The structure of the essay can be broken down in the following way:

• First Paragraph
• Second Paragraph
• Third Paragraph
• Fourth Paragraph

The first paragraph of your essay should provide a small introduction to the topic and provide an opinion of yours about what side you are on about the topic. The first paragraph should be minimal and to the point. A clear and concise introduction leaves a good impression on the examiner. The second paragraph should begin with your stance on the topic. The first sentence should provide clarity on your stance. The second sentence should build on that idea and delve deeper into the specifics. The next sentences are suitable for providing an example and developing it in detail. You can make up research studies and quote them in your essay to support your point. At the end of the paragraph, end with a statement that sums up the overall idea of the paragraph and supports the idea you started with. The third paragraph is very similar in structure to the second paragraph. The main objective of this paragraph is to provide either the opposite view of the topic or discuss new ideas that touch on a different perspective of the topic but ultimately support your opinion. The structuring is the same as in the second paragraph, with minute changes. The fourth paragraph is the conclusion of your essay and, just like the introduction, should be minimal. Summing up your essay with a statement supporting your opinion and overall idea is best advised.

Score well on IELTS Nuclear Essay by understanding the Writing task 2 structure above. Add Brownie points for writing answers with facts, examples and evidence. For more related content, head on to LeapScholar blogs. Avail of one-on-one guidance from India’s top IELTS educators from the Leap Scholar Premium course.

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Frequently asked questions, 1. what are the pros and cons of nuclear power.

Ans: Nuclear energy is a widely used method of production of electricity. The benefits of nuclear technology and the main advantages of nuclear power are: a. No production of harmful gases that cause air pollution b. Clean source of energy c. Low cost of fuel d. Long-life once constructed e. A massive amount of energy produced f. Unlike most energy production methods, nuclear energy does not contribute to the increase in global warming

Disadvantages: a. Very high cost of construction of the facility. b. Waste produced is very toxic and requires proper and safe disposal, which is costly. c. If any accident happens, it can have a major impact on everyone and can be devastating. d. Mining of uranium 235, which is nuclear fuel, is very expensive.

2. Does Japan have a plan for dealing with its own nuclear waste problem?

Ans: As per the latest news and research, Japan does not have a proper nuclear waste dumping structure even after the Fukushima disaster in 2011. The Fukushima disaster was caused by the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan in 2011 and caused meltdowns and hydrogen explosions at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Reactor. It was the worst recorded nuclear disaster since Chernobyl. Japan is said to have enough nuclear waste to create nuclear arsenals. In April 2021, Japan declared they would be dumping 1.2 million tonnes of nuclear waste into the sea. This is the same Japan that called the 1993 ocean dumping by Russia “extremely regrettable.” The discharges are bound to begin by 2023, and various legal proceedings and protests have been going on inside Japan against this inhuman decision that would destroy marine life.

3. How many countries have nuclear power plants?

Ans : Currently, 32 countries in the world possess nuclear power plants within their boundaries.

4. Why do people oppose nuclear power?

Ans: Opposition to nuclear power has been a long-standing issue. It is backed by a variety of reasons which are as follows:Nuclear waste is hard to dispose of, and improper disposal affects the radioactivity levels and can disrupt the normal life of people as well as animals. Nuclear technology is another concern of people as the usage of nuclear power plants leads to deeper research into the nuclear field. In today’s world, anything can be weaponised, and the threat of nuclear weapons is one of the drawbacks of nuclear power. This brings the threat of nuclear war and disruption of world peace. Any attack on nuclear power plants by terrorist organisations can result in a massive explosion that can disrupt and destroy human life and increase radioactivity to alarming levels around the site of the explosion.

5. What is the best way to dispose of nuclear waste?

Ans: Nuclear waste needs to be disposed of properly to prevent radioactive issues in the environment. The best methods to dispose of nuclear waste are as follows: a. Incineration : Radioactive waste can be incinerated in large scale incinerators with low production of waste. b. Deep burial: Nuclear waste can be buried deep into the ground as the radioactivity of nuclear waste wears off over time. This method is used for waste that is highly radioactive and will take a longer time to lose its radioactivity. c. Storage: Nuclear waste with low radioactivity is stored by some countries in storage. This is because their radioactive decay takes lesser time and can be disposed of safely once the radiation wears off.

6. Is it possible to produce electricity without using fossil fuels?

Ans: At the moment, 11% of the world’s electricity is produced by nuclear power plants alone. Replacing fossil fuel-based energy with renewable needs to be done gradually and properly. Renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro, and wind will have to be promoted and pushed to create a sustainable future. Renewable energy sources provide cheap energy, do not use up natural resources and fossil fuels and are much cheaper to construct than a nuclear power station.

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Hi there! I'm Ishika Maheshwari, your go-to expert for acing exams like IELTS, TOEFL, and Duolingo. I simplify complex topics to help you achieve high scores. When I'm not sharing tips and strategies, I create engaging and informative content. Let's succeed together!

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Nuclear Energy - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Some have even speculated that at the end of this century the demand for energy will have tripled. How is the world facing such a massive, growing demand for energy? One of the most fascinating ways is by experimenting with a clean, nearly limitless nuclear power — namely, nuclear fusion.

• 📘 Free essay examples for your ideas about Nuclear Energy
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• A World Without Nuclear Weapons
• Why nuclear weapons should be banned?
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• Why Nuclear Power Must Be Part of the Energy Solution?
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Current Demand for Energy

Energy, especially when used to produce electricity, has become an essential part to our everyday lives. Everything from our computers to our cars to our factories rely (some more than others) on electricity and the energy used to produce it.

Some have even speculated that at the end of this century the demand for energy will have tripled. (3) How is the world facing such a massive, growing demand for energy? One of the most fascinating ways is by experimenting with a clean, nearly limitless nuclear power — namely, nuclear fusion. (2) Let us first examine the nuclear power of the present to better explore the future possibilities.

Nuclear Fission Process

The nuclear energy we use today is called nuclear fission. To create fission, particles (usually neutrons) are accelerated and slammed at high-speed into a large, heavy, unstable isotope (most nuclear reactors use 235U; other options are 233U, 239Pu, and 241Pu). The nucleus of the isotope absorbs the neutron, causing it to destabilize. As a result, the neutron splits into two smaller isotopes and two to three neutrons. The particles, called fissile, are ejected at a speed of about 20,000 kilometers per second. Fission also produces a massive amount of energy, which we use to heat water in nuclear reactors, beginning a process that results in the production of electricity. (1, 7) A little less than ten percent of the world’s electricity is generated by nuclear power plants. (2) According to LibreTexts Chemistry, “The energy released by fission is a million times greater than that released in chemical reactions”. (5) It should come as no surprise then that one kilogram of uranium can produce as much energy as four billion kilograms of coal. (4)

At first it may seem strange that so much energy can come out of something as small as the nucleus of an atom. The answer to this seemingly bizarre occurrence lies in Einstein’s famous equation E=mc2.

On November 21, 1905, Albert Einstein published one of his four Annus Mirabilis papers in the Annalen der Physik. It was titled “Does the Inertia of a Body Depend Upon Its Energy Content?,” and it was here that he introduced the equation. E=mc2, as explained in his paper, means the energy contained in an object (E) is equal to the object’s mass (m) times the velocity of light squared (c2). This implies that all mass is energy, in a super-concentrated form.

If you were to measure the mass of an isotope, conduct fission on it, and then add the masses of each component part the isotope split into after fission, you would find that the total mass of the isotope was larger before fission. Some of the mass “disappears” during fission. Or does it? As a matter of fact, the super-concentrated energy that was mass was released during and as a result of fission. The tiny amount of mass may not seem to have any correlation to the massive amount of energy produced by fission, but if we remember that the amount of energy is equal to the mass multiplied by the speed of light squared, things make far more sense. (4)

The amount of energy produced by fission is impressive, but it is also terrifying. Remember, fission is created when a heavy nucleus destabilizes and breaks apart. This is radioactive decay, and its side effects can be harmful and even deadly to humans exposed to it. This means fission, prone to causing meltdowns in the reactors (10), spews a massive amount of radioactive particles. (7) The risks have prompted scientists to experiment with the second way to achieve nuclear power: nuclear fusion.

Nuclear fusion is basically the opposite of nuclear fission. (9) Whereas fission occurs when an atom is ripped apart, fusion occurs when two small isotopes (Hydrogen-3 (known as Tritium) and Hydrogen-2 (known as Deuterium)) smash together and merge under massive amounts of pressure and temperature, producing a larger, heavier helium atom, a neutron, and an enormous amount of energy. (1, 2, 4) Interestingly enough, in fusion there is a mass defect, just like in fission — the fused mass is less than the masses of the individual nuclei. This is how fusion produces energy (remember, E = mc2). (4)

One of the best examples of nuclear fusion is in the cores of stars. Although fission does not usually occur in nature, fusion powers all stars, including the sun (4, 5). In his textbook Exploring Creation with Physical Science, Dr. Jay Wile says, “The enormous pressure in the core [of the sun] creates so much heat that the electrons in the hydrogen atoms [of which the sun is primarily composed] escape the attractive force the nucleus exerts on them. As a result, these hydrogen atoms are simply hydrogen nuclei. They are, in essence, ‘naked’ protons, having been stripped of their electrons.” (10) When the stripped hydrogen nuclei in the sun’s core collide, fusion occurs. (10)

Nuclear Fusion vs Nuclear Fission

But what makes fusion more desirable than fission? To put it in the words of Dr. Wile, “nuclear fusion is a clean, almost limitless source of energy.” (10) Fusion demonstrates cleanliness in many different ways. Like fission, fusion releases no CO2 or other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. (3) Unlike fission, fusion hardly produces any radioactive waste at all, and that which it does is quick to decay. (2) It’s major by-product is helium, which is inert and non-toxic. (3) In addition, there are no risks of a meltdown during a fusion experiment. (9)

Fusion’s near-inexhaustibility are a result of the abundance of materials needed to create it. Deuterium is distilled in all water forms and tritium is reproduced during fusion reactions that involve fusion neutrons interacting with lithium. “Terrestrial reserves of lithium would permit the operation of fusion power plants for more than 1,000 years, while sea-based reserves of lithium would fulfil needs for millions of years.” (3)

In addition to being clean and unlimited, fusion produces vastly more energy than fission. Whereas fission produces about one million times more energy than chemical reactions (such as burning coal, oil, or gas), fusion produces about four million times more energy, four times the amount produced by fusion. (3)

Naturally, the fusion research has caught the eye of many. Nations across the world have begun forming grand plans for once (and if) they get a hold of the energy fusion promises. Seoul plans to let autonomous cars loose on the streets, Germany and China plan to build all-electric Mini cars, and the U.S. wants to give their military sense-enhancing, cybernetic equipment. (8) Magnetic confinement and laser-based inertial confinement are also a possibility. (4) With all these stunning possibilities, it is little wonder that discovering how to produce sufficient fusion energy is “a scientist’s dream!” (10)

However, as is the case with many dreams, reality can hold a more pessimistic view on things. Progress is slow when it comes to fusion, as it is very difficult to harness the same forces that drive the sun. (4) Let’s examine a quote from ZME Science’s article, What’s the difference between nuclear fission and fusion, by Tibi Puiu: “Normally light atoms such as hydrogen or helium don’t fuse spontaneously because the charge of their nuclei cause them to repel each other. Inside hot stars such as the sun, however, extremely high temperature and pressure rip the atoms to their constituting protons, electrons, and neutrons. Inside the core, the pressure is millions of times higher than the surface of the Earth, and the temperature reaches more than 15 million Kelvin. These conditions remain stable because the core witnesses a never-ending tug of war of expansion-contraction between the self-gravity of the sun and the thermal pressure generated by fusion in the core.” (4)

So in order to make use of fusion, scientist’s have to recreate the extreme conditions of the stars on Earth. (2) The challenges of understanding how to control a fusion reaction in a contained space has prevented any large strides of progress. (1) In the sun, fusion occurs naturally at around 15 million degrees Celsius, but in order too replicate the sun’s core on earth, six times the amount (about 100,000,000 degrees Celsius) is required to make up for the lack of immense pressure that is impossible to produce on earth. (4, 9)

However, this does not mean that technicalities prevent any progress. Fusion has been created, but as of yet all of these reactions have consumed more energy than they produce. (2, 4) Despite all this, scientists all over the world continue to pour effort into achieving fusion at a reasonable energy exchange. There are two ways scientists have approached the creation of fusion: tokamak reactors and laser fusion. ABC’s article, Fusion vs. fission: clean, green nuclear energy technologies explained, by Stuart Gary explains how the tokamak reactor works: “Tokamak reactors use a doughnut-shaped ring to house heavy and super-heavy isotopes of hydrogen, known as deuterium and tritium… These isotopes are heated to 100 million degrees Celsius by powerful electric currents within the ring. At these extreme temperatures electrons are ripped off their atoms, forming a charged plasma of hydrogen ions. Magnets confine the charged plasma to an extremely small area within the ring, maximising the chance that the superheated ions will fuse together and give off energy. The heat generated can be used to turn water into steam that spins turbines, producing electricity.” (2)

There are about two hundred tokamaks worldwide. One of the most important fusion projects is the ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor), a “joint fusion experiment” in Southern France designed to produce ten times the energy it takes to run. The first fusion experiments with the ITER are scheduled for some time from 2025-2027. (2, 4)

Germany, China, and the UK each have their own reactors as well. Germany’s tokamak, the Wendelstein 7-X, is a different type of tokamak, called a stellarator. The stellarator design included complicated twists to increase stability and control the plasma for longer. As a matter of fact, it was the Wendelstein 7-X that proved the stellarator design correct, working as expected (though still inefficiently) when it was first turned on in 2016. (2, 4)

As of yet, China has claimed to reach tokamak temperatures of 50 million Celsius (three times hotter). Their tokamak is named the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST). (2)

“The United States, on the other hand, wants to significantly revamp the classical fusion reactor. Physicists at the Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) are proposing a more efficient shape that employs spherical tokamaks, more akin to a cored apple. The team writes that this spherical design halves the size of the hole in the doughnut, meaning we can use much lower energy magnetic fields to keep the plasma in place.” (4)

Fusion Projects and Obstacles

Laser fusion is the alternative method to achieving fusion. ABC’s previously mentioned article provides a description for this process as well: “Laser fusion uses ultra-short bursts of very powerful lasers to generate the extreme temperatures and pressures needed to trigger a fusion reaction. These laser pulses can heat and compress hydrogen isotopes to a fraction of their size, forcing them to fuse into helium and release high-energy neutrons.” The Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory’s National Ignition Facility in California uses laser pulses that release more than two million joules of energy in one nanosecond (one thousandth of a second). The one downside to laser fusion is that it is more likely for it to become radioactive. (2)

But the path to the fusion dream is hindered by yet another technicality, one that could be more challenging than the science involved with actually figuring fusion out. According to Steve Crowley, director of Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, “[fusion is] expensive research that can only be done at large scales… and nobody sees the need right now. Every time there’s talk about climate change funding goes up for awhile [but it’s not enough to even get the first reactors built]… For $20 billion in cash, I could build you a working reactor. It would be big, and maybe not very reliable… 25 years ago we didn’t even know if we’d be able to make fusion work. Now, the only question is whether we’ll be able to make it affordable.” Evidently, much more time and effort is required for sizeable progress to be made with fusion. (9)

Troubles with Cold Fusion

Perhaps the biggest reason why many people have been skeptical about fusion and don’t “see the need right now,” is because of the “cold fusion” fiasco of 1989. In BBVA OpenMind’s article Cold Fusion: Anatomy of a Scientific ‘Fraud’, Javier Yanes writes, “Nowadays if we speak to anyone without a strong scientific background about nuclear fusion as the energy of the future, they may respond with some vague reference to cold fusion,” and, “the cold fusion fiasco of 23 March 1989 has lived on almost like a cultural meme, overshadowing its legitimate nemesis, hot fusion.” (6) But what is this all about? What even is cold fusion? Why does it seem to dissuade the interests of so many, despite the tempting promises of clean, limitless, and powerful energy? An brief look into what happened may help explain much of the criticism fusion faces today.

“In the 1920s, some scientists speculated that palladium’s ability to absorb hydrogen opened up the possibility of using this metal as a catalyst that would bring atomic nuclei close enough together to achieve fusion at room temperature.” (6) This was the first idea for “cold fusion” (and now you can see where it gets its name). The idea was dismissed relatively quickly, however, and no one attempted any experiments until, in the beginning of the 1980s, electrochemist Martin Fleischmann from the University of Southampton (in the UK) rediscovered the idea. Fleischmann shared his discovery secretively with his friend and colleague Stanley Pons from the University of Utah (in the USA). Fleischmann and Pons each spent $100,000 of their own money on secretly researching cold fusion. The two worked on their cold fusion device from 1983 to 1988 and then, wanting to confirm their discovery with new experiments, asked the US Department of Energy for help with their project. The Department sent Steven Jones from Brigham Young University to help Fleischmann and Pons with the assessment of their project. Jones had been working on his own cold fusion experiments — experiments that, besides consuming more energy than they produced, had worked. (6)

Jones, Fleischmann, and Pons all agreed to send their assessment results simultaneously to the journal Nature on March 24, 1989. However, responding to pressure from the University of Utah, Fleischmann and Pons sent their results on March 23, 1989, the day before they were supposed to, by means of a statement and press conference. (6) Their announcement “shocked the world” (10) and the University of Utah threw their support behind Fleischmann and Pons. The scientific community, however, reacted with great skepticism. Almost all of the scientists that recreated Fleischmann and Pons’ experiment, including institutions investigating hot fusion such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, came to the same conclusion: the experiment did not work, and the results in the original experiment were caused by experimental error, not fusion. Fleischmann and Pons exiled themselves in Southern France to continue their experiments with private funding. (6, 10) There have been a large number of suspicions that Fleischmann and Pons’ announcement was a fraud, and others have accused the scientific community’s conclusions to be the same. However, no one knows for sure — there are many variables that could effect the results of a cold fusion experiment. Regardless, “cold fusion persists as one of the most cited examples of failed science.” (6)

Furure of Nuclear Energy

There should be little wonder, then, that funding today’s “hot fusion” experiments can be difficult. Instead, if people take any interest in funding nuclear research, they are more likely to consider supporting another way to generate cleaner nuclear power. People all over the world are also researching a cleaner method of producing fission. (2)

This method, first used in the 1950s, is sometimes referred to as the “thorium wildcard,” as the main idea behind this form of fission is to use thorium instead of uranium, which may be much cleaner. Thorium is also three times more abundant than uranium, the largest reserve being in Australia. So far, the United States, India, Israel, the Uk, China, Norway, Chile, and Indonesia are looking into the use of thorium fission. (2) At the very least, the thorium wildcard could provide cleaner energy until we eventually manage to master fusion.

Will we ever obtain fusion? Will it remain one of the world’s greatest mysteries for all eternity? Or, like with the lightbulb and computer, will we eventually find a way through trial and error and usher in colossal changes to the world? It is hard to predict when fusion will pay off for all the time, effort, and money poured into it over the past decade. It does, however, seem very possible for fusion to make its impact in the coming decades. In the words of Tibi Puiu, “when we do get our own sun in a jar… be ready [to] embrace the unexpected, for nothing will ever be the same again.” (4)

Bibliography

• Fission vs. Fusion – What’s the Difference?. Online. 20 January 2020.
• Fusion vs. fission: clean, green nuclear energy. Online 20 January 2020.
• Advantages of Fusion. Online. 20 January 2020.
• What’s the difference between nuclear fission and fusion. Online. 20 January 2020.
• Source 5 – Contrasting Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion. Online. 20 January 2020.
• Cold Fusion: Anatomy of a Scientific ‘Fraud’. Online. 20 January 2020.
• Harnessing nuclear energy. Online. 23 January 2020.
• China’s experimental nuclear fusion reactor to go live in 2020. Online. 15 February 2020.
• Why Don’t We Have Fusion Power?. Online. 7 March 2020.
• Wile, Dr. Jay L. (2007). Exploring Creation with Physical Science. Anderson, IN: Apologia Educational Ministries, Inc.

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76 Nuclear Energy Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best nuclear energy topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 simple & easy nuclear energy essay titles, 👍 good essay topics on nuclear energy.

• Nuclear Energy in Australia The irony of the matter is that Australia does not use these reserves to produce nuclear energy; two main reasons that has contributed to the un-exploitation are availability of rich coal deposits in the country, […]
• Nuclear Energy: High-Entropy Alloy One of the tools for reducing the level of greenhouse gas emissions is the development of nuclear energy, which is characterized by a high degree of environmental efficiency and the absence of a significant impact […]
• Nuclear Energy: Impact of Science & Technology on Society In spite of the fact that hopes of adherents of the use of atomic energy substantially were not justified, the majority of the governments of the countries of the world do not wish to refuse […]
• Nuclear Energy: Safe, Economical, Reliable Thus, nuclear energy is viable and safe in meeting the current and future demand for energy across the world. Nuclear energy has significant implications for the environment and population health in case of an accident […]
• Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation: Business Principles The first 3 are enablers of the system of management while the fourth component is process-oriented, which helps in the development, production, and delivery of services coupled with products of an organization to the market […]
• Nuclear Energy and Its Risks The situation became difficult when the power in the reactors reduced and could not be enough to be used by the operators.
• Fossil Fuel, Nuclear Energy, and Alternative Power Sources It is important to keep in mind that the amount of coal is decreasing and there is no guarantee that people will be able to discover more.
• Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation Managerial Accounting The flagship project and the construction of the first reactor of the four scheduled reactors began in 2011. In the execution of the role of management accountants, ENEC encounters challenges due to the use of […]
• Energy Disruption: Causes and Effects of the Fukushima Nuclear Reactors Leak The Fukushima nuclear disaster that occurred in March, 2011in Japan as the result of the earthquake and tsunami led to a number of the serious problems and energy disruption.
• A Cost Benefit Analysis of the Environmental and Economic Effects of Nuclear Energy in the United States The nature of damage posed to the environment depends on the nature of the nuclear plant being used and also the extraction process of fossil fuel themselves.
• Nuclear Energy Fusion and Harnessing Physicists use the equation E=MC2 to calculate the amount of energy that is generated as a result of the fusion of nucleus.
• Nuclear Energy Usage and Recycling The resulting energy is used to power machinery and generate heat for processing purposes. The biggest problem though is that of energy storage, which is considered to be the most crucial requirement for building a […]
• The Effect of Nuclear Energy on the Environment In response to the concerns, this paper proposes the use of thorium reactors to produce nuclear energy because the safety issues of uranium.
• The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, ENEC, brought together six UAE member states, the International Atomic Energy Agency and other countries such as the United States of America. The assertions made above indicate that UAE relies […]
• Nuclear Energy Benefits and Demerits The aim of the research is to provide substantial proof that nuclear energy is not efficient and sustainable. It is also argued that the whole process and the impacts of nuclear energy production make the […]
• Balanced Treatment of the Pros and Cons of Nuclear Energy Thus, the use of nuclear power presupposes a number of positive short-term and log-term consequences for the economy of the country and the environment of the planet.
• The Environmental Impact of Nuclear Energy The country has the opportunity to enhance its capacity to generate electricity from nuclear following the approval of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to build and operate between three to four units of the Vogtle […]
• Sources of Energy: Nuclear Power and Hydroelectric Power The main source of power in the world is the Sun. The Sun is the sole source of energy that plants use in the process of photosynthesis in order to manufacture their food.
• Corporate Governance Strategy for Emirates Energy Nuclear Corporation To establish the difference privatization will bring to the company in terms of resources and manpower To establish the feasibility of this undertaking in comparison to other companies that manage nuclear transmission such as Exelon […]
• Why Nuclear Energy Is Not Good? Even those who say net production is cost effective for unit of nuclear energy produced may not be saying the truth because most of these estimate forget that nuclear energy is recipient of many government […]
• Nuclear Energy Effectiveness Although water is used to cool nuclear plants, we can conclude that nuclear energy is the most cost effective method of producing electricity.
• Nuclear Energy Benefits One of the factors why nuclear energy is an effective source of energy is that it is cost effective. The other factor that makes nuclear energy cost effective is that the risks associated with this […]
• Nuclear Power Provides Cheap and Clean Energy The production of nuclear power is relatively cheap when compared to coal and petroleum. The cost of nuclear fuel for nuclear power generation is much lower compared to coal, oil and gas fired plants.
• Understanding the Significance of Nuclear Energy
• The Nuclear Energy and Its Impact on the Environment and Economic Growth
• The Use of Nuclear Energy as an Alternative to Global Energy Crisis
• The Impact of Nuclear Energy in the Environment and Economic Growth
• The Economic Consequences of Shifting Away From Nuclear Energy
• The Issue of Climate Change and Nuclear Energy
• The Importance of Controlling the Use of Nuclear Energy
• The Environmental Benefits Of Utilizing Nuclear Energy Rather Than Fossil Fuel Energy
• The Problem Of Nuclear Energy
• Understanding How Nuclear Energy Is Produced from the Atom Level
• The Process Of Producing Nuclear Energy From Thorium
• The Dangers of Atomic Weapons and Nuclear Energy
• The Theory of Nuclear Energy and Its Applications in the Industry
• The Tommyknockers and Nuclear Energy
• The Future of the U. S. Nuclear Energy Industry
• The Nuclear Energy Advantage Of The United States
• The Controversy Regarding The Utilization Of Nuclear Energy
• The Future Industry In Energy: Dropping The Concept Of Nuclear Energy
• The Hope For Nuclear Energy As A Source Of Power
• The Role of Nuclear Energy in Our Lives Today
• The Environmental Benefits of Utilizing Nuclear Energy
• The Argument For Nuclear Energy
• The Ethical and Philosophical Implications of Harnessing Nuclear Energy
• The United States Should Use Nuclear Energy
• Why Do We Still Have Nuclear Energy And Fossil Energy
• The Phenomenon Of Decreased Usage Of Nuclear Energy
• The Politics of Nuclear Energy in Western Europe
• The Negative Issues Surrounding the Use of Nuclear Energy as an Alternative Source of Renewable Energy
• Thorium As An Alternative Form Of Nuclear Energy
• The Advantages of Using Nuclear Energy as a Source of Power
• The Complicated, Expensive, and Dangerous Use of Nuclear Energy
• Why European Countries Are Holding Off On Nuclear Energy
• The Socio-Political Economy of Nuclear Energy in China and India
• The Development of Nuclear Energy and It Importance in the World Today
• Should Nuclear Energy Developed Thailand
• Why the United States Should Stop Using Nuclear Energy
• The History, Advancements and Modern Uses of Nuclear Energy
• Transparency and View Regarding Nuclear Energy Before and After the Fukushima Accident: Evidence on Micro-data
• The Hazards in the Coal Mines and the Benefits of Nuclear Energy
• Use Of Nuclear Energy In Modern World
• The Scientific Discoveries on the Nuclear Energy During the 19th Century
• The Pros and Cons When Discussing the Use of Nuclear Energy
• The Potential Benefits and Risks of Using Nuclear Energy to Produce Electricity
• The Manhattan Project Was a Top Secret Nuclear Energy
• The Nuclear Energy Controversy: Finding a Place for the Nuclear Waste
• The Effects Of Nuclear Energy On The Environment
• Pollution Essay Ideas
• Air Pollution Research Ideas
• Experiment Questions
• Technology Essay Ideas
• Global Warming Essay Titles
• Environmental Protection Titles
• Greenhouse Gases Research Ideas
• Environment Research Topics
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We study the energy dependence of the total and diffractive neutrino-nucleon and neutrino-nucleus cross sections at very high energies. The calculation employs the QCD dipole model and the small-$x$ nonlinear Balitsky-Kovchegov evolution. We show the sensitivity of the nuclear effect quantification on the nuclear setup, and predict up to $\sim 10\%$ nuclear suppression in the inclusive neutrino-oxygen scattering stemming from the nonlinear evolution. Diffractive contribution to the total scattering is small, which is only few percentage. The $\left|q\bar{q}g\right>$ componnent of the $W^{\pm}$ boson is found to contribute significantly to the diffractive process, which reaches up to $\sim 40\%$ of the diffractive cross section.

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