1. Fission vs. Fusion

2. 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

3. Fission of Uranium-235

4. This is the kind of reaction that runs nuclear reactors

6. Turkey Point, FL Hollywood, AL

8. 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

9. Lockheed Martin Tokamak Fusion Reactor

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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