Nuclear Energy: Energy of the Future or Environmental Disaster? :: Physics, Atom, Radioactivity, Uranium

An atom slams into a nonher, sending a wave of energy outward when it splits. The extremely hot heat wave collides with water, immediately turning it to steam. This steam shots up to turn a massive wheel- and electricity is made. This may sound alike(p) some cheesy sci-fi movie, but, in fact, is a significant process employmentd to make energy around the world. Nuclear power. But many critics and concerned citizens alike argue that its not worth it. The line around nuclear power only grows each year as the need for clean power increases- but is nuclear power the silver bullet to the energy crisis or a risky gamble that we cant afford to make?ProsThe first question many ask is why, why use radioactive uranium instead of simple coal or oil? Think of it this way- Nuclear reactors make thirty-five tons of waste each year. Seems like a lot, right? But, coal plants make over 15 tons of wasteper minute. Thats over seven billion tons per year ( Enc. the States 2) Also, reactors release absolutely no emissions gasses into the air. That means they dont contribute to global warming at all. (NEI 2)Not only are nuclear reactors environmentally friendly, they are also economical, too. The building of a reactor is a big project, so it ads many jobs to the US. By using reactors, we lower our foreign fuel dependence by over 2.1 billion barrels since 1979- thats billions of dollars that stays in the wallet of the United States. (NEI 2)Many people who fear nuclear power opine a nuclear meltdown to be like an atomic bomb Mass destruction, mushroom clouds, the lot. But really, the truth is, no matter what, that cant happen. There just simply isnt enough uranium to explode. (NEI-2, 1) At a nuclear power plant, all disaster scenarios are considered and multiple arctic systems are implemented against them. For example, plants have a wide variety of sensors and monitors measuring everything from temperature, water pressure, water level, and many other things. If any of th ese sense something wrong, the plant go away immediately and automatically shut its self down. (NEI-2, 2) Not only that, but there are many physical barriers as well ceramic pellets that suffer the fuel and the waste fuel rods made of a sturdy zirconium alloy a large steel, sealed container with eight-inch wall and last but not least, the massive concrete structure that is the plant itself.