NUCLEAR ENERGY

Nuclear Energy

Nuclear energy is energy inside the atom. Energy is released by fission and fusion. Nuclear energy is nonrenewable.

FISSION AND FUSION

• Fission is where energy is released when atoms are split
• Fusion is where energy is released when atoms are combined
• Fusion and fission heat up the control rods, heating up water
• Creates steam, spinning the turbine
• Creating energy by spinning the generator.

HOW IT WORKS

BACKGROUND

• Most nuclear is produced using 2 types of reactors (developed in the 50s)
• Idea is based off nukes, led to idea of the nuclear boiler after WWII
• Nuclear energy has gained popularity in the past few years
• 68% of Americans support the use of nuclear energy

ENERGY

• Uranium is nonrenewable
• Nuclear plants split uranium atoms inside a reactor-fission
• Heat from fission is used to produce steam, spinning an turbine
• Energy is released by mass being converted into energy
• Nuclear energy produces electricty

CURRENT USES

• Russian uses nuclear power to operate icebreakers and a 124,000 lb cargo ship
• Prairie Island (in MN) provides 20% of the power that Xcel gives to MN
• There are 65 nuclear plants
• US plants have produced 790 billion kilowatts of energy
• There are 430 plants in 31 countries world wide

BENEFITS

• Nuclear energy produces $40 billion a year
• Clean air, doesn't contribute to climate change, there's no green house gases
• Available 24/7
• JOBSSS OMG OMG TOTAL FANGIRL
• Generates large amounts of electricity

DRAWBACKS

• Radioactive waste
• Uranium mills tailings
• Used reactor fuel
• Radiation

FUTURE SUPPLY

• There are 70 constructors under construction
• When uranium runs out we are able to use Thorium
• The uranium we know of will last at least 30 years

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