What is Nuclear Energy?
The liberation of large amount of energy by the nuclear chain reaction or nuclear fission is called nuclear energy.
The fission of U235 or Pu239 occurs instantaneously producing large amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation.
Calculation of energy released due to nuclear fission
Consider the fission of U235
92U235 + 0n1 → 56Ba140 + 36Kr93 + 30n1 + Energy
The release of energy takes place because of the fact that in this reaction some mass is lost, since the sum of the masses of the reactants (parent nuclei) is more than the sum of the masses of the products.
The loss in mass or the decrease in mass is called mass defect is converted into energy which is released in the reaction. The energy released is calculated with the help of Einstein’s equation (mass energy relationship),
E = mc²
where, E = energy, M= decrease in mass and c= velocity of light.
Uses of nuclear energy
Nuclear energy is used for:
- generating electricity;
- the treatment of diseases like cancer;
- the improvement of agriculture and industry.
Advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| The production of nuclear energy does not involve the emission of toxic gases. | Nuclear radiation can damage living cells. |
| The cost of generating electricity is lower. | The explosion can lead to massive loss in terms of living and non-living things. |
| A small amount of radioactive substances can generate a large amount of electricity. | The effect of radioactive substances or radiations can be seen over a long period of time. |
Application of nuclear energy
General applications
Atomic power is mainly used for the production of electricity in nuclear power plants.
Industrial applications
It is mainly used in development and process improvement of the measurement, automation and quality control.
Atomic energy is also used in making plastics and sterilization of single-use products.
Medical application
Atomic energy is used for the treatment of malignant tumours and in teletherapy for cancer treatment.
It is also used in radiation biology to sterilize medical products.
Agricultural application
The application of isotopes in agriculture has led to an increased agricultural production in less-developed countries.
Atomic energy is useful in controlling insect pests.
Nuclear techniques play an important role in food preservation.
Environmental applications
Atomic energy helps to determine the exact amounts of polluting substances and places in which they occur and their causes.
| Read More Topics |
| Nuclear chain reaction |
| Characteristics of nuclear fusion |
| Types of electrochemical corrosion |
