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Scientific Essay About Nuclear Power

In: Novels

Submitted By thekidd2828
Words 526
Pages 3
Anthony Scott
Mrs. Spradlin
PIB Physical Science
16 September 2105
Unleashing the Power of an Atom Most people do not think about the fact that something as minute as an atom could create both mass devastation and enormous benefit to mankind; however, when a person hears the word nuclear, that is exactly what one does. When hearing the term radiation, visions of Hiroshima or Chernobyl come to mind, and the person usually does not stop to consider that something as microscopic as an atom was responsible for such large scale destruction. It is important for people to understand that within the nucleus of an atom resides tremendous capability. It is up to humans to unlock that potential and create something in the best interest of society. While it is understood that the nuclear decay process can wreak havoc on humanity, harnessing the nucleus of radioactive isotopes for the welfare of civilization can be accomplished through nuclear power plants, nuclear medicine, and nuclear preservation of food, we may fully be able to use these nuclei to humanity’s advantage. Nuclear power plants are one way that humans have controlled nature to benefit them. Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions that release nuclear energy to create heat. Steam turbines are then used to make energy from the heat. The elements in the Actinide series of the periodic table are mainly used for nuclear fission reactions. Nuclear fission power plants produce 11% of the world’s electricity, less than what hydro-electric stations produce. Along with other sustainable energy sources, nuclear fission is a low carbon power generation method of making energy, which means that is renewable and doesn’t create much air pollution.
General nuclear medicine is another way humanity has harnessed nuclear decay. Nuclear medicine is a branch of medical imaging that uses small amounts of

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