Nuclear energy results from a reaction that occurs in the nucleus of an atom. Nuclear power plants use this reaction to generate electricity. Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion are the two main types of nuclear reaction that release energy. The first one happens when the nucleus splits apart into two smaller nucleus, and in the process, a small portion of the mass of the nucleus is transformed into a generous amount of energy. The latter, nuclear fusion, occurs when the nuclei of hydrogen atoms fuse together; producing a larger nuclei, and as a result, energy is released (Nuclear Energy, 2015). Nowadays, the use of nuclear energy is a polemic topic. Some argue nuclear energy is efficient, affordable, and safe for the environment. However, others argue nuclear energy is costly, dangerous, and in no way efficient. …show more content…
Mary L. Walker (2002) claims that the electricity generated by plants that burn fuels is far more expensive than the energy generated by nuclear power plants. For instance, California’s two nuclear facilities, are the state’s two biggest power sources, and, interestingly enough, they are amongst the least expensive sources of power in the states, providing electricity at less cost than the power plants that burn natural gas. She states that in the long run, nuclear power is going to be less expensive than electricity from fossil fuels since it doesn’t generate not even one of the environmental cost that the combustion of oil, gas and coal do. People also claim that natural energy is a clean, stable way to produce power, and unlike coal, gas and oil generators, nuclear power plants do not emit toxic pollutants into the air. It also reveals that nuclear plants are relatively small and have less of a “footprint” on land than wind or solar plants. In other words, nuclear power plants are relatively benign (The Nuclear Energy Institute,