4.3.7

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

  • Disposal of nuclear waste with a very long half-life can cause serious safety issues.
  • Widespread and long term damage if an accident occurs.

Jump to other topics

1Forces & Motion

1.1Basics of Motion

1.2Forces

1.3Effects of Forces

1.4Stopping Distance

1.5Forces & Elasticity

2Electricity

3Waves

4Energy Resources & Energy Transfers

5Solids, Liquids & Gases

6Magnetism & Electromagnetism

7Radioactivity & Particles

8Astrophysics

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