1. Nuclear Energy How will it affect you?

2. Nuclear Energy: What is it? n Fission –the splitting of an atom by a neutron, resulting in two or more neutrons being released and the formation of two new atoms. n Nuclear Radiation –the gain or loss of protons or neutrons

3. Nuclear Energy: How does it work? n Consists of 5 main parts –Control Rods –Coolant –Core –Moderator –Reactor Vessel

4. Nuclear Energy: How does it work? n Uranium atom is bombarded with neutrons, splitting the atom and releasing energy in the form of heat. n Two additional neutrons released will continue the reaction (chain reaction) n This energy is collected and used to produce steam from water, which is used to turn a turbine to produce electricity.

5. Nuclear Reactor

6. Nuclear Energy: History n Successfully released in 1942, at the University of Chicago n Used to build the first atomic bomb n The same bomb dropped on Hiroshima

7. Nuclear Energy: Where are they located? n Along rivers edges, sea coasts –Use high amounts of water to cool water being heated n U.S has 109 operating plants n Canada has 22 operating plants n France has 56 operating plants n Japan has 47 operating plants

8. Nuclear Energy: Where does it come from? n Mining of Uranium that is enriched to make an isotope n 1 kg of uranium is = 3,000 tons of coal = 14,000 barrels of oil

9. Nuclear Energy: What is it used for? n Used primarily for electricity

10. Nuclear Energy: Pollution n Three mile Island –1979 Pennsylvania –A core meltdown because of a lack of water to control the amount of heat produced.

11. Nuclear Energy: Pollution n Chernobyl –1986 –31 fatalities, 500 hospitalized, contaminated crops and water, and resulted in 17,000 extra cancers –10x the radiation then the bomb dropped on Hiroshima –Core overheated and there was an explosion of the lid

12. Nuclear Energy: Concerns n Reactor will explode like an atomic bomb n Melt down of reactor –Loss of coolant n Possible hydrogen bubble –a bubble of explosive gases that may result from radioactive material n Possibility of crack in core and radiation is released into atmosphere

13. Nuclear Energy: Cons n Use of nuclear power for weapons n takes 1000 years for materials to no longer be radioactive. n 50% of radioactive wastes are produced from nuclear plants n Where do we bury the wastes?

14. Nuclear Energy: Pros n Increase in technology may help with burial of wastes. n Annual environmental impacts are low compared to other fossil fuels. n Fuel is long-lasting: 1 kg of Uranium = 3,000 tons of coal = 12,000 barrels of oil n Fairly clean, efficient, and clean burning.

15. Nuclear Energy Pros