Nuclear energy is a powerful source of energy compared to other conventional fuels. All crude oil based fuels derive their energy from oxidation, which is a change in the energy levels of electrons outside the nucleus. However, nuclear energy derives power from changes in the nuclear energy levels of the atomic nucleus! Tremendous energy lies locked up inside a radioactive nucleus and nuclear fission is a way of tapping this energy. Nuclear power plants derive energy from controlled nuclear fission reactions. This article discusses the pros and cons of using nuclear energy.
Every powerful source of energy discovered by man, comes at a price. Nuclear energy comes with its share of risks and hazards. …show more content…
The radioactive rubble and debris left after mining, if not properly disposed, can lead to several diseases like cancer and mutation. For more information on radioactive exposure hazards, read 'effects of nuclear radiation'.
Radioactive Waste Disposal Problems
The safe disposal of radioactive waste is a major problem. Fission of a material like Uranium leaves by products, which are themselves radioactive and highly harmful to the environment. Radioactivity cannot be turned off and therefore there is no way but to bury radioactive waste, without leading to extra complications arising out of it.
A Catalyst for Nuclear Weapons Proliferation
Often, nuclear breeder reactor programs are smoke screen for the development of nuclear weapons. There is no guarantee that fissionable nuclear fuel supplied to a country will not be used to produce weapons of mass destruction like atomic bombs and hydrogen bombs! If this technology falls in the wrong hands, like fundamentalist and terrorist groups, can spell disaster for the world. So there is a considerable risk in promoting the use of technology, which makes nuclear energy