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Nuclear Energy  Nuclear Power is the use of sustained nuclear fission to generate nuclear energy.  Nuclear Energy is a non-renewable energy source.

History According to world-nuclear.org: - Uranium was discovered in 1789 by Martin Klaproth. - The science of atomic radiation, atomic change, and nuclear fission was mostly developed during Through those years, most development was focused on the atomic bomb. - From 1945, focus was on harnessing and controlling this energy to create electricity. - Since 1956, focus was on the technical evolution of reliable nuclear power plants.

Locations According to library.thinkquest.org Naturally: Some nuclear energy is produced naturally. For example, the Sun and other stars make heat and light by nuclear reactions. Man-made: Nuclear energy can be man-made too. Machines called nuclear reactors, parts of nuclear power plants, provide electricity for many cities. A nuclear reactor converts the energy released from nuclear fission into thermal energy to heat homes, and create electricity.

Storing and Releasing  Nuclear power is stored as nuclear energy. Nuclear fission releases it as thermal energy which is used for power.  For more information on nuclear energy, check out this link bd9ee2/How%20nuclear%20energy%20 works bd9ee2/How%20nuclear%20energy%20 works

Using it Today  In 2008 we used nuclear energy for, electricity for cities and heating of homes.  We are using more nuclear energy today, than ever before. According to nei.org, There are over 433 operating nuclear power plants, and over 65 new power plants are being constructed in over 14 countries.

Advantages and Disadvantages  Advantages  -The Earth has limited supplies of coal and oil.  -Nuclear power plants need less fuel than ones which burn fossil fuels.  - One ton of uranium produces more energy than is produced by several million tons of coal or several million barrels of oil.  - Coal and oil burning plants pollute the air. Well- operated nuclear power plants do not release contaminants into the environment. Disadvantages -Nuclear explosions produce radiation. - One possible type of reactor disaster is known as a meltdown. In such an accident, the fission reaction goes out of control, leading to a nuclear explosion and the emission of great amounts of radiation. - Reactors produce nuclear waste products which emit dangerous radiation. - The United States plans to move its nuclear waste to a remote underground dump by the year 2010.

Future?  Some people think that nuclear energy is here to stay and we must learn to live with it. Others say that we should get rid of all nuclear weapons and power plants. Both sides have their cases as there are advantages and disadvantages to nuclear energy. Still others have opinions that fall somewhere in between.

Resources    ergy.html ergy.html  ergy.html ergy.html  r_statistics/usnuclearpowerplants/ r_statistics/usnuclearpowerplants/