Assignment 1: Discussion—The Promises And Perils Of N 650065

Assignment 1: Discussion—The Promises and Perils of Nuclear Power The T

The term nuclear power refers to the production of electrical energy via controlled nuclear reactions. These reactions generate heat that, in turn, creates steam that runs the generators to produce electricity. Approximately 1/8th of the electricity produced in the world is derived from nuclear power. In this assignment, you will analyze the use of nuclear power as an energy resource. Respond to the following: Discuss the scientific and technical concepts related to the use of nuclear power as an energy resource.

Address the following in your response: How is energy released in a nuclear reaction? How are nuclear reactions controlled? What elements are involved in nuclear power production? What nuclear forces are involved? Explain the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy, detailing issues related to production, delivery, cost, radiation, air quality, and waste.

Identify a country whose electricity production infrastructure relies heavily on nuclear power. Compare and contrast the use of nuclear power in the United States with the use of nuclear power in this country. Provide examples of the use of nuclear power in your community or state. Consider the three major nuclear accidents in the history of the industry: 3-Mile Island (USA), Chernobyl (Ukraine), and Fukushima Dai-Ichi (Japan). What lessons have been learned from these nuclear accidents that can be or have been used to make nuclear power safer?

Paper For Above instruction

Nuclear power represents a significant component of the global energy mix, offering a potent source of electricity generation through controlled nuclear reactions. The process primarily involves nuclear fission, where heavy atomic nuclei, such as uranium-235, are split into smaller nuclei, releasing a substantial amount of energy in the form of heat. This heat is then used to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity. The energy release in nuclear reactions is facilitated by the strong nuclear force that maintains the integrity of atomic nuclei. During fission, neutrons collide with fissile material, causing the nucleus to become unstable and split, releasing additional neutrons and energy in a chain reaction (World Nuclear Association, 2020). Control rods composed of neutron-absorbing materials regulate these reactions, ensuring they proceed at a safe, steady rate, preventing runaway reactions or meltdowns. The elements involved in nuclear power production are predominantly uranium and plutonium, which serve as fissile materials, with uranium being the most common globally (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2021). Nuclear forces, primarily the strong nuclear force, act within atomic nuclei, binding protons and neutrons and influencing the stability of fissile materials.

The advantages of nuclear energy include its capability to produce large amounts of electricity with low greenhouse gas emissions, offering a reliable and continuous power supply. Additionally, nuclear plants can operate at high capacity factors, making them efficient sources of baseline power. However, disadvantages include concerns over radioactive waste management, which requires secure storage for thousands of years, high capital costs for plant construction, and potential safety risks. Accidents can lead to radiation release, impacting air quality and public health (World Nuclear Association, 2020). Moreover, nuclear energy's production and disposal issues pose environmental and geopolitical challenges, especially regarding proliferation risks associated with uranium enrichment and plutonium reprocessing.

South Korea is an example of a country with a heavily nuclear-dependent electricity infrastructure, deriving about 30% of its electricity from nuclear reactors. In contrast, the United States has the largest number of operational nuclear reactors worldwide, contributing roughly 20% to its electricity grid (U.S. Energy Information Administration, 2022). Both countries rely heavily on nuclear power for stable and reliable energy; however, the U.S. has a more extensive nuclear fleet, with significant investments in research and safety culture. In my community, nuclear power is represented by the ongoing operation of a local nuclear plant that supplies electricity to the surrounding region. The industry has historically learned from accidents such as Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986), and Fukushima (2011), leading to substantial safety improvements. For instance, the Three Mile Island accident prompted enhanced safety protocols, rigorous training for operators, and better emergency response strategies. Similarly, lessons from Chernobyl and Fukushima have resulted in the adoption of passive safety systems, modernized reactor designs, and international safety standards aimed at preventing or mitigating future incidents (International Atomic Energy Agency, 2021). These improvements are crucial for ensuring that nuclear power remains a viable and safer energy option moving forward.

References

• International Atomic Energy Agency. (2021). Nuclear power: Overview. https://www.iaea.org
• U.S. Energy Information Administration. (2022). Nuclear explained. https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/nuclear/
• World Nuclear Association. (2020). Nuclear power and the environment. https://www.world-nuclear.org