Nuclear energy has been harnessed for electricity production since the 1950s. It involves splitting uranium atoms through nuclear fission, which generates heat used to create steam that powers turbines. In 2011, about 15% of the world's electricity came from 442 nuclear power plants across 31 countries. While nuclear energy avoids carbon emissions, it produces long-lasting radioactive waste and risks from accidents, as seen at Fukushima. The environmental impacts and future prospects for nuclear remain uncertain.
2. •The science of atomic radiation,
atomic change and nuclear fission
was developed from 1895 to 1945.
•Over 1939-45, most development
was focused on the atomic bomb.
•From 1945 attention was given to
harnessing this energy in a
controlled fashion for naval
propulsion and for making
electricity.
•Since 1956 the prime focus has
been on the technological evolution
of reliable nuclear power plants.
3. First Electricity production
from nuclear was in 20/ Dec/
1951 USA.
First commercial use was in
26/June / 1954 Russia.
In 2011, about 15 percent of
the world's electricity is
generated by nuclear power
plants.
2021 442 Nuclear power
station unite in 31 countries
produce electricity more than
385 GW.
Biggest country having
nuclear material and reactors
( united states , Russia and
Japan).
4. What is a nuclear:
what exactly is an atom? They’re the tiny particles that make up every object in the universe – including uranium, the substance used to generate nuclear power.
what’s uranium? Named after our smallest planet in the solar system, uranium is a metallic substance drawn from raw deposits of a rock called uraninite. After
refinement, we get pure uranium – a chemical with some pretty powerful abilities to generate energy.
Nuclear fission then breaks down its tiny particles, to release the energy inside.
How it work:
A traditional plant burns coal, oil or natural gas, using them to boil water into steam. The steam turns turbines, which drive a generator and make electricity.
Nuclear power plants follow the same process, but they don’t burn anything. Instead, they use nuclear fission to split uranium atoms inside a nuclear reactor. The
energy released by this reaction heats the water, which creates steam – and then In a nuclear reactor, a neutron is absorbed into a nucleus (typically uranium-235).
This causes the nucleus to become uranium-236, which is violently unstable.
7. • The most important aspect of nuclear
technology is the large amount of energy
involved in nuclear changes, radioactivity,
nuclear reactions, radiation effects etc.
• Thus, the energy concept is very important
before we start to explore nuclear science.
The issue of nuclear waste – which comes from the processing of uranium and, ultimately, the demolition of nuclear power plant facilities.
The risk of accidents releasing radioactive substances into the environment. Accidents are uncommon – but, for some, it’s still too risky.
To understand the potential impact of nuclear waste on the environment, let’s look at the 3 main types
(i) this comes from places like hospitals, universities and research centres. In fact, it’s made wherever radioactive materials are used for x-rays and sterilising equipment, as well as in the nuclear industry. It isn’t considered high-risk.
(ii) Above the upper limit of radioactivity for low-level waste, one example is the insulation and cladding used in nuclear facilities. It’s usually buried in shallow trenches in the area around a nuclear facility.
(iii) this means a wide range of radioactive and unstable compounds. This type of nuclear waste – such as liquid waste from the process of reprocessing spent fuel – can give off radiation for thousands of years. As you’d expect, this type poses the greatest risk, so it needs to be disposed of very carefully. In the UK, this usually happens in a Geological Disposal Facility, where waste is buried deep underground.
The issue of nuclear waste – which comes from the processing of uranium and, ultimately, the demolition of nuclear power plant facilities.
Lots of ordinary things give off radiation, but nuclear radiation can be highly dangerous – it’s a risk to human health, and can change the way cells in the body behave.
On 11 March 2011 the earthquake struck east of the city of Sendai.
Systems at the nuclear plant detected the earthquake and automatically shut down the nuclear reactors. Emergency diesel generators turned on to keep coolant pumping around the cores, which remain incredibly hot even after reactions stop. But soon after a wave over 14 metres (46ft) high hit Fukushima. The water overwhelmed the defensive sea wall, flooding the plant and knocking out the emergency generators.
There were no deaths immediately during the nuclear disaster.
Overall almost half-a-million people were forced to leave their homes as a result of the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident.
Tens of thousands of workers will be needed over the next 30 to 40 years to safely remove nuclear waste.
