Nuclear Fission Research Paper
One of the most interesting phenomena in Nuclear Physics with far reaching consequences is nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is defined as the splitting of heavy nuclei to release energy. This aspect holds many opportunities and possibilities for our technologically advancing world.
Fission Process (Theory)
In the case of large atoms, such as Uranium, the impact of a particle on the nucleus loosens its binding force. The impact causes the nucleus to break apart into pieces, also known as fission fragments.
These pieces contain a nucleus with approximately half the protons and neutrons of the original nucleus; they fly at very high speeds and possess high amounts of energy. This energy is released in many forms, but most energy released by …show more content…
"Fission can be seen as a "tug-of-war" between the strong attractive nuclear force and the repulsive electrostatic force." When fission occurs, it happens because
the electrostatic repulsion is stronger than the binding forces.
Applications
Nuclear fission is used to produce the energy provided by nuclear reactors in nuclear power stations. There are over 400 power plants in more than 30 countries worldwide, 100 of which are situated in the United States. "The energy produced by these power stations generates 17% of the world's electricity." Nuclear fission reactors have proven to be a practical energy source, "the fission of an atom of uranium produces 10 million times the energy produced by the combustion of an atom of carbon from coal." It has been saving money and making effective use of uranium for years.
Nuclear fission has allowed us to make nuclear bombs and many other nuclear weapons, which have not exactly been productive towards the world's well being. Nonetheless, it has given scientists an idea of just how powerful nuclear fission is, and what it's capable of doing.
Nuclear Reactors- …show more content…
No one knows what our actions of today will lead to tomorrow, consequences or victories. The advantages of nuclear power are the fallowing:
A very large amount of energy is generated from a very small amount of fuel.
The fuel is ready and available. If you need more energy, you can use more fuel.
Nuclear power does not produce carbon dioxide or sulphur dioxide and so does not contribute to global warming or acid rain.
Along with the advantages of nuclear power, there are also some disadvantages, which we must consider. These may have a very negative effect on our future and other generations to come.
à Poisonous waste is produced, most of which is highly radioactive. Disposal of this radioactive waste has not been safely achieved. Very long half lives of thousands of years means that the waste will be a danger for thousands of years to come.
à Careless disposal of waste has led to many environmental problems in the past; polluted land and waters, and negative health problems such as cancer due to the radiation.
à The power stations are potentially dangerous to large areas of the planet.
à Serious accidents have happened and vast areas have been dangerously been tainted with
Fission Process (Theory)
In the case of large atoms, such as Uranium, the impact of a particle on the nucleus loosens its binding force. The impact causes the nucleus to break apart into pieces, also known as fission fragments.
These pieces contain a nucleus with approximately half the protons and neutrons of the original nucleus; they fly at very high speeds and possess high amounts of energy. This energy is released in many forms, but most energy released by …show more content…
"Fission can be seen as a "tug-of-war" between the strong attractive nuclear force and the repulsive electrostatic force." When fission occurs, it happens because
the electrostatic repulsion is stronger than the binding forces.
Applications
Nuclear fission is used to produce the energy provided by nuclear reactors in nuclear power stations. There are over 400 power plants in more than 30 countries worldwide, 100 of which are situated in the United States. "The energy produced by these power stations generates 17% of the world's electricity." Nuclear fission reactors have proven to be a practical energy source, "the fission of an atom of uranium produces 10 million times the energy produced by the combustion of an atom of carbon from coal." It has been saving money and making effective use of uranium for years.
Nuclear fission has allowed us to make nuclear bombs and many other nuclear weapons, which have not exactly been productive towards the world's well being. Nonetheless, it has given scientists an idea of just how powerful nuclear fission is, and what it's capable of doing.
Nuclear Reactors- …show more content…
No one knows what our actions of today will lead to tomorrow, consequences or victories. The advantages of nuclear power are the fallowing:
A very large amount of energy is generated from a very small amount of fuel.
The fuel is ready and available. If you need more energy, you can use more fuel.
Nuclear power does not produce carbon dioxide or sulphur dioxide and so does not contribute to global warming or acid rain.
Along with the advantages of nuclear power, there are also some disadvantages, which we must consider. These may have a very negative effect on our future and other generations to come.
à Poisonous waste is produced, most of which is highly radioactive. Disposal of this radioactive waste has not been safely achieved. Very long half lives of thousands of years means that the waste will be a danger for thousands of years to come.
à Careless disposal of waste has led to many environmental problems in the past; polluted land and waters, and negative health problems such as cancer due to the radiation.
à The power stations are potentially dangerous to large areas of the planet.
à Serious accidents have happened and vast areas have been dangerously been tainted with