1.3.7

Nuclear Energy

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Nuclear Energy

In a nuclear reactor, the nuclear energy stored in atoms’ nuclei is released as kinetic energy. Some of this kinetic energy heats up graphite which then heats up a fluid (like water). This creates steam and rotates a turbine, which turns a generator.

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Advantages

  • No greenhouse gas emission, so no contribution to global warming.
  • Reliable, on-demand electricity.
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Disadvantages

  • Nuclear waste is radioactive and potentially dangerous if not disposed of properly.
  • Nuclear waste has a very long half-life, which will continue to be dangerous for a very long time.

Jump to other topics

1Energy

2Electricity

3Particle Model of Matter

4Atoms & Radiation

5Forces

5.1Basics of Motion

5.2Forces

5.3Effects of Forces

5.4Pressure

6Waves

7Magnetism

8Astrophysics

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