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Society And Nuclear Power For Civilian Purposes

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Society and Nuclear Power

Nuclear power for civilian purposes is a widely-debated topic, with interest peaking in the 1970’s and 1980’s. The process for creating nuclear power starts with nuclear fuel, which is used in nuclear power stations to produce heat to power turbines. Heat is created when nuclear fuel undergoes nuclear fission. The steam will turn a turbine, thus generating electricity. This research essay will explore the reasons why society is uncomfortable with the idea of nuclear power, as well as the reasons why society is comfortable with it.

Built upon the issues of historical nuclear disaster, waste containment, and risk to the public and the environment, the debate against nuclear power gives insight into why society is …show more content…

A nuclear weapon is an explosive device that derives its destructive force from nuclear reactions, and during WWII the United States dropped two nuclear bombs over Japan – one on Hiroshima and another on Nagasaki, resulting in 200 000 casualties. The destructive power of the nuclear bombs has left a negative opinion about nuclear power, thus rendering society uncomfortable with the idea of using nuclear power. Additionally, the unsolved problem of radioactive nuclear waste is another reason why society is uncomfortable with nuclear power. After use, the nuclear fuel must be safely stored, because its radiotoxicity level is extremely high and the nuclear waste must be safely stored underground to avoid the negative effects of radiation poisoning. However, the containers in which nuclear waste is stored are not infallible; it is impossible to guarantee that in the hundreds of thousands of years it takes for radiation levels to subside, the areas in which nuclear waste is dumped will remain stable and calm. This poses a problem because it cannot be definite that the radioactive waste will not affect the public. With the possible risk of cancers or birth defects due to radiation, society is reluctant to accept the implementation of nuclear …show more content…

Traditional power plants produce operate at 35% efficiency while nuclear power facilities can produce energy at a 91% efficiency rate. Additionally, nuclear power plants run on uranium; an element that has a high-energy density. High efficiency and high energy density mean that less nuclear fuel is needed to generate the same amount of energy that traditional fuels would produce. This appeals to society because high energy density and high efficiency creates hope for energy sustainability. Furthermore, society is comfortable with the idea of nuclear power because nuclear power plants generate little to no greenhouse gases; compared to traditional fossil fuel power plants, which make up for 30% of total greenhouse gas emissions. By using nuclear power in the place of fossil fuels, it is possible to cut down on CO2 emissions. Another reason why society is comfortable with nuclear power, from an economic standpoint, is that electricity from nuclear power is cheaper for the consumer than electricity produced from fossil fuels. Modern nuclear plants can produce electricity for just four cents per kilowatt hour compared to 9 cents/kWh for electricity produced by

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