Atomic Energy

By Venu puram Venu chindam Venkatesh Akula

What is Atomic Energy?

Ernest Rutherford, who is known as the father of nuclear physics, discovered Atomic Energy. Atomic energy is the energy produced by atoms.

Atomic energy may include:

Nuclear binding energy Nuclear potential energy Nuclear reaction Radioactive decay

Nuclear Binding energy: energy required to split a nucleus of an atom. Nuclear potential energy: potential energy of the particles inside an atomic nucleus. Nuclear reaction: a process in which nuclei or nuclear particles interact. Radioactive decay: the set of various processes by which unstable atomic nuclei (nuclides) emit subatomic particles.

Atomic energy is the source of Nuclear power, which uses sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity.

What is a nuclear fission and a nuclear fussion?

Nuclear fusion is a nuclear reaction in which two or more atomic nuclei collide at a very high speed and join to form a new type of atomic nucleus.

nuclear fission is either a nuclear reaction or a radioactive decay process in which the nucleus of a particle splits into smaller parts (lighter nuclei).

Nuclear energy is made in power plants by splitting the nuclei of heavy atoms, such as uranium. This splitting of nuclei (nuclear fission) releases a very large amount of energy

Nuclear power is both simple and complex. Fissioning neutrons produce great heat. Heat placed in water makes steam. Steam accelerates a turbine which in turn powers a generator to make electricity.

Nuclear power has been harnessed to make devastating bombs that can level cities and states and even countries. Nuclear power can only be managed with human assistance and creativity.

Advantages of atomic energy

Nuclear plants bring jobs and prosperity to a country Not many nuclear have happened; natural disasters cause more damage Canada has easy access to uranium Its good for the economy Lots of energy is produced from a small amount of uranium Does not emit carbon dioxide(greenhouse effect)

Disadvantages of atomic energy

Disposing of the nuclear waste is very difficult and needs to be done after a lot of planning by the experts Waste must be stored very carefully for a long time Storing is a huge problem. The waste is very dangerous. It is radioactive Nuclear power plants are very expensive to build

Conclusion

some people argue that nuclear energy is cheap and safe compared to other forms of power. Still, others have pointed to the problem of storage and disposal of nuclear by- products, in particular toxic waste, substances that may remain deadly for billions of years.