28-11-2012, 06:33 PM
Applications of Nuclear Energy
Applications of Nuclear.pptx (Size: 88.76 KB / Downloads: 28)
INTRODUCTION
The most important application of nuclear energy is for electricity generation in thermonuclear plants. Thermonuclear power plants exploit the immense energy released during nuclear fission chain reaction. The chain reaction is controlled within reactors of thermonuclear power plants so that it proceeds at an appropriate speed for converting the heat given off during reaction to generate steam. The steam generated runs the turbine which in turns propels the electric generator.If the nuclear fission chain reaction is left uncontrolled, it can release enormous amounts of energy resulting in nuclear explosion. This is the principle forming the basis of nuclear weapons such as an atomic bomb.Benefits of Nuclear EnergyNuclear energy is clean and efficient. The power plants that are fueled by enriched uranium are clean as they do not release carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Since a pound of nuclear fuel has the energy equivalent of 1,500 tons of coal, the saving in fossil fuel is enormous. Thus nuclear energy offers an environment friendly alternative to the dwindling fossil fuels.More on this topic Benefits and Risks of Nuclear Power Nuclear Power and Atom Bombs: Is the Radiation the Same? Nuclear Energy – The Debate About Future Power Limitations of Nuclear EnergyThough conversion of nuclear energy into electricity does not pollute the environment, there are some other negative effects linked with it. Serious accidents resulting from safety failures may entail terrible and long lasting consequences. On the other hand, the solid residues produced by the fission process are radioactive and are stable enough to contaminate the environment for thousands of years.Nuclear weapons also produce damage that is not experienced with chemical explosives. Much of the energy released during a weapons blast occurs in the form of X rays, gamma rays, and other forms of radiation that can cause serious harm to plant and animal life.In addition, the isotopes formed during fission and fusion—called fission products—are all radioactive.These fission products are carried many miles away and deposited on the ground, on buildings, on plant life, and on animals. As they decay over the weeks, months, and years following a nuclear explosion, the fission products continue to release radiation, causing damage to surrounding organisms.Nuclear Energy at WorkNuclear fission chain reactions release energy in huge quantities. If properly exploited, they can be effective in overcoming our energy woes to a great extent. Nuclear energy is being used for electricity generation. On the other hand, the disposal of nuclear wastes is a tedious task as it is radioactive. Similarly, the harmful impacts of nuclear weapons are disastrous and long lasting.