Nuclear Power

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Recommended: The importance of nuclear power generation

Nuclear Power

As our population increases, so will our demand for electricity. Air conditioners, computers, televisions, microwaves, and many other appliances have become necessities for Americans. All methods of producing electricity have drawbacks. As the earth becomes warmer, we must look for ways to decrease our use of fossil fuels. There are several ways to produce electricity without releasing air pollution. The most feasible method at this time is nuclear energy. Nuclear energy presents a safe, clean, and inexpensive alternative to other methods of producing electricity. Nuclear waste can either be reprocessed or disposed of safely, provided certain precautions are taken.

Radiation

Properties

In order to understand the risks associated with nuclear energy, it is necessary to understand the properties of radiation and their effects. The term radiation refers to a wide range of things. Ionizing radiation is the kind that can and does cause damage. Ionizing radiation creates ions when it strikes something, which can then affect matter such as human tissue. The two main types of ionizing radiation are electromagnetic and particle. Ionizing electromagnetic radiation includes x-rays, gamma rays, and cosmic rays. Ionizing particle radiation involves alpha particles, which are helium nuclei, beta particles or electrons, and neutrons. Gamma rays, alpha particles, and beta particles are the main forms of radioactivity associated with nuclear power (Taylor, 1996).

Comparison with other types

Radiation has many benefits for humans, but too much of any type of radiation can be harmful. For example, the sun gives off infrared radiation, or heat, as well as visible light, another type of electromagnetic radiation. These ...

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... (2014). NEI: The nuclear energy story: High-level waste. http://www.nei.org/story/high_level_main.html. (25 Oct 2014).

Nuclear Energy Institute (2014). NEI: The nuclear energy story: Nuclear fuel. http://www.nei.org/story/fuel_main.html. (25 Oct 2014).

Nuclear Energy Institute. (2014). NEI: The nuclear energy story: Safety. http://www.nei.org/story/safety_main.html. (25 Oct 2014).

Nuclear Energy Institute (2014). NEI: The nuclear energy story: Shipping. http://www.nei.org/story/shipping_main.html. (26 Oct 2014).

Nuclear Energy: Power for people. Booklet from Nuclear Energy Institute.

Rossin, D.A. (2012). FRONTLINE: nuclear reaction: policy on reprocessing. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/reaction/readings/rossin.html. (25 Oct 2014).

Taylor, L.S. (1996). LST Intro. http://www.sph.umich.edu/group/eih/UMSCHPS/lstintro.htm. (25 Oct 2014).

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