Disadvantages Of Nuclear Energy

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Nuclear energy is the energy inside of the nucleus of atoms, the small particles that make up the universe. The energy is what keeps the nucleus together, which means that the denser the nuclei, the more energy the atom possesses. By splitting the nuclei we can therefore release the energy it stores and use it to create electricity: this process is called nuclear fission. A nuclear reactor is used to produce the process called nuclear fission. For this, the element uranium is used as fuel due to it being relatively easy to split. Specifically U-235 is used which is a rare element making up 1% of the uranium in the world. Uranium is first mined from rocks, but also needs processing before usage, which involves extracting it from minerals. This makes it a resource of trade, as for example is case for the USA, where most their nuclear fuel is…show more content…
Therefore it is an environmentally friendly way of producing energy, especially compared to burning fossil fuels. Only water is heated up in the creation of this energy, which can be cooled down and reused, and does not harm the environment when steam is released (Dunn). Also, a small amount of raw material produces a large amount of energy, therefore less uranium is needed, making it more sustainable and ensuring that the energy source will be available for us longer (Rutherford). Uranium is however not a renewable source. In 2013, studies showed that with the current rate of usage for Uranium, it would last for 80 more years. Another raw material, called Thorium, is however starting to be used for nuclear energy as well. Even if nuclear energy is not a renewable source, learning to control nuclear fusion (the collision of nuclei, instead of splitting) could allow us to use atomic fusion energy, which is the kind of energy that fuels the sun. Through this we could then practically have unlimited energy
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