Nuclear Energy: How Is Nuclear Energy Created?

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy results from mass-to-energy conversions that occur in the separation of atoms larger than Iron or combining atoms smaller than Iron. The slight amount of mass that is lost from either the separation or combination follows the Einstein’s mass energy relation E=mc2 where m is defined as the mass and c is the speed of light.

How is Nuclear Energy Created?

Nuclear energy is created either from the Fusion or Fission of atoms.

Nuclear fusion is the joining of two small atoms such as Hydrogen or Helium to produce heavier atoms. This reaction can release more energy than fission without producing radioactive by-products. Fusion reactions occur in the sun, using Hydrogen as fuel and producing Helium as waste. Nuclear fusion

This is evident in Figure … where an equivalent amount of energy is given, the nuclear energy is able to sustain power up to years, where normal fossil fuel can only sustain up to a few days. Although there are debates that the life span of nuclear power sources such as Uranium is low and is comparable to oil, this do not pose a threat as nuclear energy can be recycled.

In addition, nuclear power plant only emits hot water into the environment which makes it environmental friendly. In fact, little or almost no carbon dioxide is being released into the atmosphere. The little amount of carbon dioxide is produced because of the mining and construction of the power plant, however the amount released is not comparable to that of other fossil fuel.

Finally, with nuclear energy, people now need not depend solely on traditional fossil fuel to generate electricity. Since the nuclear power fuel can reach a temperature in the magnitude of thousands, it can be thermo-chemically broken down into Oxygen and Hydrogen which can be used to power up vehicles Most of the world supply of uranium is in Australia and Canada. With fuel recycling, the supply of Uranium is not a

The Moderator. It is a material found in the core which slows down the fission process so that a rapid continuation of fission process can take place.

3. The control rods. The rods are made with cadmium, hafnium or boron which can absorb the neutrons. These are inserted or withdrawn from the core to control the rate of reaction or to temporarily stop it. This is so as in the process of fission, the release of some neutrons are delayed. In order to enable a smooth chain reacting system, the release has to be controlled in order to hold the precise criticality.

4. The Coolant. It is a liquid that flows through the core in order to transfer the heat. This is exceptionally important in order to maintain the temperature and avoid overheating of the core.

5. Pressure vessel. It is normally a steel vessel which contain the core, moderator and coolant.

6. Steam Generator. It forms a portion of the cooling system of pressurised water reactors. The high pressure primary coolant transfers the heat from the reactor and is used to generate steam in a secondary