Nuclear Fission Reaction
We have seen the definition of nuclear fission which says that in a fission reaction, one heavy nucleus splits into two light nuclei and produces a high amount of energy and neutrons along with it. These neutrons go and hit the other atoms of Uranium (or plutonium) and thus the chain reaction continues and each of these reactions emits a huge amount of energy in the form of heat and light. This is the reason why nuclear reactions are uncontrollable. Now, let’s understand how electricity is being produced by the nuclear power plant.
Advantages of nuclear energy
- Nuclear energy is a green source of energy that does not produce any harmful gases.
- The amount of energy obtained from a single nuclear reaction is very high.
Disadvantages
- Nuclear reactions are very hard to control, as they are chain reactions and even a slight mistake can cause huge risks.
- The elements used in the reaction are radioactive and the radiation can cause severe health issues like cancer and other genetical deformation.
- Unfortunately, this is also used in nuclear weapons. An atomic bomb is based on nuclear fission reaction where the reaction is uncontrollable. It was used two times in World War2 and caused the deaths of millions of people.
- To date, we cannot control fusion reactions.
- Nuclear fusion occurs inside the sun where two hydrogen atoms are combined to form one helium atom which in the process produces a huge amount of energy.
Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
Can you picture driving a car that is powered by water? Or one that is powered by the Sun? The fact is that you may have to become used to such outlandish thoughts. Conventional fuels are increasingly running out, while non-conventional energy sources are becoming our future. And, in order to run them, let us study more about non-conventional energy sources.
Energy is a critical component of the economic infrastructure, as it is the primary input required to support economic growth. Economic development and energy usage have a close relationship. The greater a country’s per capita energy usage, the more developed it is, and vice versa. Human civilization is reliant on a variety of energy sources. In this article, we will discuss the non-conventional sources of energy and their usage, advantages, and disadvantages. Before, that let’s first understand what is energy.