Fission vs. Fusion

Nuclear Fission Large nuclei split into 2 smaller more stable nuclei Sometimes natural Most of the time extra energy is needed Usually neutrons are released Released neutrons may then hit other nuclei causing a chain reaction The smallest amount of fissionable material needed to sustain a chain reaction is critical mass

Fission of Uranium-235

This is the kind of reaction that runs nuclear reactors

Turkey Point, FL Hollywood, AL

Nuclear Fusion Matter is converted to energy 2 small nuclei combine to make a larger atom Matter is converted to energy Difference between the mass of the parts and the mass of the whole is the mass defect g per g gives off much more energy than fission Need high temperatures and pressures Does not make radioactive waste Runs the stars and sun

Lockheed Martin Tokamak Fusion Reactor

Nuclear Waste Two types: low level and high level Low-level—nuclear lab protective clothing, diagnostic radioisotopes, air filters from nuclear power plants High –level—products of nuclear fission (spent fuel rods) or transuramics

Low-level Waste Disposal Sealed in containers Buried 20ft below the surface State government licenses sites governed by NRC regulations Governed by NRC until 1985 laws States formed agreements in1985 to dispose of their waste in other states Still only 3 commercial sites nationwide

2008 Volume and Activity by Disposal Facility Volume (Cubic Feet) Activity (Curies) Clive 2,040,296 4,694 Barnwell 22,278 762,018 Richland 22,791 16,452 TOTAL 2,085,366 783,164

High-level Waste Disposal Cools in tanks for several decades Federal government responsible for disposal No solid idea of what to do long term Moat recently suggested Sealed in containers of glass, stainless steel, or concrete Shipped to Yucca Mt, NV Buried 1k below the surface in vaults that are geologically sound March 3, 2010 Obama admin pulled application for Yucca Mt permit Office of Nuclear Energy will take over looking for solution with 2011 budget