Alternate Energy Article

Alternative Energy: Nuclear Power

Nuclear energy comes from the core of an atom. They are tiny particles that are in every object in the world. The energy comes from the bond that holds atoms together. It releases energy from fusion or fission. Fusion happens when atoms stick together to become a larger atom. Fission occurs when atoms split and become smaller which releases energy.

If the thought of nuclear energy scares you, you are not alone. It may bring to mind clouds exploding and devastation. At one time it was used a deadly weapon. It is unfortunate that it brings to mind negativity and destruction because it could be a viable source of power if thought about differently.

Nuclear energy works because it produces a chain reaction of energy. They collide with particles and release energy. Only a small amount is needed to make electricity.

Another advantage to it is that the technology is available to use it. It has the capability to generate tremendous amounts of electricity for wide spread use. It is safe for the environment and does not cause pollution.

Nuclear energy is associated with very negative connotations such as Chernobyl? This is a good case that demonstrates nuclear energy going wrong. The accident occurred in 1986 with an explosion and then contamination of the surrounding area. The accident occurred because of an explosion, that resulted in a fire and then nuclear gas was emitted. It is attributed to over 50 deaths as well as it is estimated that approximately 9,000 people have been exposed and contaminated which eventually will cause cancer. Many believe that safety precautions had not been put in place and that essentially the plant was an accident waiting to happen.

Nuclear power provides approximately 5% of energy across the world and about 15% of the world’s electricity. It is used by the military to power submarines and planes. The United States and France produce the most electricity from nuclear energy.

There are many possibilities that anything and everything could go wrong with the use of nuclear power such as housing radioactive waste. There is also the possibility of sabotage from another country or an accident. Some countries may use it to make weapons. There is great cause for concern, because there is a possibility that the waste can be used and released by terrorists to kill people. Critics of nuclear energy believe that we have a long way to go before it can be used world wide as a viable source of energy.

There are about 400 nuclear power plants across the world and a little over a 100 of them are in the United States. The fuel these plants use is Uranium. It is found in rocks across the world.