1. Nuclear Energy

2. Intro to Nuclear Energy

3. Nuclear Energy The potential energy stored in the nucleus of an atom
This reaction gives off enormous amounts of energy when compared to a chemical reaction
These reactions happen so that unstable isotopes will be more stable

4. What is an Isotope??? Most elements have different isotopes
Isotopes of one element all have the same number of protons, but different amounts of neutrons

5. Nuclear Reactions
Radioactive Decay
Fusion
Fission

6. Main Types of Nuclear Rxns
Radioactive Decay (naturally occurring)
Fission (can be natural but usually man-made)
Fusion (usually natural because there are so many containment issues)

7. Radioactive Decay Used for: Chemical reactions (track atoms)
Plumbing (track leaks)
Medicine (X-rays and radiation treatments)

8. Nuclear Fission
The process in which a larger nucleus is split into two smaller nuclei
Forms 2 lighter elements
Gives off huge amounts of energy

9. Nuclear Fission
Nuclear fission is started by a neutron hitting the nucleus of an unstable atom.
Once one nucleus splits, more neutrons are released and split more nuclei apart (CHAIN REACTION).

10. Nuclear Fission
Uranium and Plutonium are the two fuels used for fission
Waste products give off radiation for thousands of years
Chain reaction can potentially be dangerous if not controlled

11. Uses of Fission # 1 use of fission is power
- only a small amount of fuel needed
- no air pollution!

13. More Uses of Fission
Weapons

15. Safety Issues
Must wear protective clothing and use insulated shields to block radioactive particles

16. Safety Issues
Waste must be disposed of in carefully monitored waste sites
Items that are highly radioactive stay around for thousands of years and need to be buried in dry tunnels

17. Nuclear Fusion
The process in which smaller nuclei combine into a larger nucleus
A heavier element is formed
Gives off even more energy than fission

18. Fusion

19. Examples of Fusion

20. Nuclear Fusion Hydrogen isotopes are used in fusion
Gives off no radiation
Currently cannot be sustained in a lab setting, it only occurs on the sun