Nuclear Energy Essay

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On and off, could it be that simple? Energy is there whenever we need it, so we think. It’s not as simple as turning the light switch, replacing light bulbs, and paying the electric bills. Our energy today is made mostly from coal, natural gas, oil, wind, solar, and nuclear. With depleting natural resources, we must begin to consider what will power our future. Although there are many challenges yet to be encountered and technology yet to be discovered, many say nuclear energy is becoming a major part of our future. However, nuclear meltdowns and disasters have many people and scientists questioning the possibility of having a nuclear powered world. What are the concerns and positive aspects of nuclear energy today? Could nuclear energy become a part of our future energy source?
The entire nuclear energy process starts with uranium. Uranium is the fuel for the nuclear reactors, often harvested near coal mines. Uranium is found in two types, U-235 and U-238, the one needed for the nuclear energy power is U-235. Uranium U-235 is one of the least plentiful elements making only 0.000002 percent of the earths’ crust. Although it is quite rare, one pound of Uranium can produce the same amount of energy as three million pounds of coal. U-235 is unstable in nature and highly radioactive making it a perfect match in the fission process. (How Nuclear Power Works 2)
The process of harvesting energy from atoms is complicated and has many variables. It begins with fission, which is the splitting of a nucleus with neurons. The harvested uranium is made into small pellets, placed into twelve-foot rods. These rods will be placed into the core of the reactor, which is a key ingredient to the fission process. The fission process c...

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...ing nuclear waste is a new and unsound technology, but still a solution to the problems of excessive waste. Where in the future, new technologies may allow for the waste to be completely recycled and reused in the reactors to create more energy. With both positives and negatives of nuclear energy, the real question that remains is “if not nuclear, then what else?” (Rutgers’s Felder)
Far from perfect, nuclear power has a possibility of being part of our future energy source. With the rising prices of and the limitations of natural resources, nuclear energy is needed in our society. It will most likely be accompanied with wind, solar, and other small sustainable and renewable sources. The technology is interesting, and quite dangerous but with time, as with any technological advances, nuclear power should become a safer and more reliable energy source for the future.