Nuclear essay

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Nuclear energy is a topic scholars and the average person discuss and argue whether they are for it or against it. Inside the nuclear reactor, energy is produced by the fission of Uranium atoms. Other isotopes of Uranium and Plutonium are used in reactors. Fission is the process in which a single atom of Uranium absorbs a slow neutron causing it to become unstable and split into two nuclei causing a chain reaction of splitting. A massive amount of energy is released when the atom splits. It is then captured and turned into electricity. Nuclear energy supplies an abundant amount of power for the United States, but there are still problems with this type of energy. During the process of fission, radioactivity is released and the used Uranium rods are still extremely potent to the environment. This waste from the nuclear reaction is what is causing all the debate between people because the waste has not been able to be stored or handled safely without some risk. If the radioactivity is let out into the open, the byproducts are hazardous. Personally, I support the continuation of the United States’ implementation of nuclear power because there are ways to safely use, handle and store the waste; the nuclear reactors are well protected, there are good and bad effects from the production of power, and there is a way to address the public sentiment of those who oppose it.
The long lasting problem of storing nuclear waste is upon us now and needs to be solved. The radioactive waste eventually decays or reduces as time goes on. Most of the waste is low-level waste which releases alpha and beta radiation which can be easily shielded; however, some of the waste-like spent fuel rods release gamma rays that are extremely strong and dangerous....

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...ation of nuclear power in the United States because it is a cheap, long lasting clean energy source. Continuing on, it also is a safe power source when used properly and there can be storage for its harmful waste. The waste can be placed in a large, safe facility nowhere near civilization and the used rods can be partially reused when separated from the radioactive part. Nuclear energy reactors are highly secure and the report card in the US has shown how controlled it can be. Next, there have been some harmful effects from this power source when not contained, but overall nuclear energy doesn’t pollute our environment compared to coal and oil. Lastly, there is a way to handle those who disagree by showing and giving examples of the safety and efficiency of nuclear energy. The fate of this arguable power source is a choice the United States will soon have to decide.

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