Sunday 18 March 2012

Understanding Nuclear Energy


Nuclear Energy is the term used for when energy is produced by a process called Nuclear fission (do not get confused between Nuclear fission and Nuclear fusion). Nuclear Fission involves the splitting of atoms. In Nuclear power plants Uranium is the common element that is used, when it is splitted it realises a lot of energy which is then used to heat water which then produces steam. This steam is then used to turn a turbine which then generates electricity.  Nuclear energy is a good alternative for Fossil Fuels because it is a reliable source of energy and it doesn’t release any pollutant gases in the atmosphere but it does have its disadvantages. A Nuclear power plant takes the longest and is the most expensive to build. Furthermore it produces nuclear waste which is radioactive.Overall Nuclear Energy has a lot of potential and its producing energy capabilities outweigh its cons.  

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