NUCLEAR FISSION
In Nuclear Fission the nuclei of the atoms is split by neutron bombardment, causing energy to be released once the nucleus splits apart. The heat energy produced causes neutrons to gain kinetic energy, which causes them to collide with neighbouring nuclei, thus a chain reaction occurs. The rest of the energy is used in a generator to make electricity. Uranium is a preferred nuclear source since it is highly unstable; therefore its nuclei will split apart very easily if the Uranium nuclei absorbs a few neutrons.
PROS AND CONS OF NUCLEAR FISSION
|
PROS |
CONS |
| A lot of heat energy is produced relative to the mass of Uranium. This then makes it extremely profitable since the ratio of energy to mass is very large. | A lot of radioactive waste is produced, which needs to be disposed of. This is a very expensive process and the Uranium will stay active for hundreds for thousands of years. This can have a devastating effect on the environment. |
| Nuclear Fission is extremely economically viable once the nuclear plant has been set up-which is expensive. However the initial loss is soon replaced by large gains since the profit margins are very high. | If a chain reaction goes out of control the nuclear plant can melt down. This will lead to killing and mutating any living species for hundreds of miles around. If this happened the entire area would stay infected for hundreds of thousands of years if left untreated. |
| It is the cheapest and most clean way of producing electricity, since no greenhouse gases are produced. | There is a risk of nuclear rods being stolen for terrorist activity. |