Fission reactions occur when atoms become unstable and break down (Olesnicky and Neville, 2006). The process of fission is the breakdown of an atom into smaller parts and a release of energy (Redd, 2012). The energy can be harnessed and converted into electricity. Sources of power are some of the most important commodities in the world. The use of nuclear fission as a power source has been controversial for a while (Olesnicky and Neville, 2006). This investigation will study, “Should nuclear fission be used as a major source of future power considering the risks?”
Uranium is a hard, metallic element, commonly found as uranium 238, with less than 6% comprising of uranium 235 which is the isotope of uranium required for a fission reaction (McKie, 1985). Uranium 235 breaks down when hit by another neutron causing a fission reaction, whereas uranium 238 does not (Redd, 2012).
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The uranium is enriched to increase the amount of fissionable uranium 235 (Olesnicky and Neville, 2006). Control rods are used to absorb neutrons and control the reaction. To remove heat a coolant is pumped through the core. The coolant is then heated turning water into steam which drives a turbine, producing electricity (McKie, 1985). In the core neutrons travel quickly and to react must be slowed. To do this a moderator of 2H is added (Olesnicky and Neville, 2006).
The emissions produced by nuclear reactors are not toxic and do not contribute to smog or the greenhouse effect (Olesnicky and Neville, 2006). For the amount of fuel used in reactors, nuclear reactions produce large amounts of power (McKie, 1985). As small amounts of fuel are required, less fuel must be mined causing less destruction to the environment (Olesnicky and Neville,