Nuclear energy is a very common term used in today’s society. It is a magnificent thing that could really improve the world, but it could also be the cause for mass destruction. A lot of people have no idea what nuclear energy is. Many also do not know where nuclear energy comes from. However, this form of energy is a treasure to many. Here are some of the many nuclear energy examples you’ll find in the world. Not all of them are man made but as far as an example of nuclear energy goes nature shows us the most spectacular.
Power Plants
Nuclear power plants are the most visible source of nuclear energy. There are over four hundred power plants worldwide, which function off of nuclear reactors. The reactors hold the reaction that is produced by nuclear fission. This gives off heat which is in turn used to generate electricity. Over twenty percent of the United States power is generated by power plants.
Submarines
Nuclear submarines are a valued treasure of many world navies, even though submarines have been used since the Cold War. Nuclear submarines run off of a nuclear reactor, which provides a great deal of power for a much longer time than fossil fuels. As an added bonus, these submarines run quietly because no sound is generated by nuclear fission.
Weapons
Nuclear energy is not always benign. Nuclear warheads still remain a threat worldwide. These weapons can be one hundred times more destructive than atomic bombs, and also have the capability to demolish cities and kill thousands of people.
Radiation Therapy
One of the more modern, and common, uses for nuclear energy is cancer treatments. Radiation is used to get rid of cancer cells in a person.
Food Processing
It has become very common to expose foods to small amounts of nuclear radiation of part of the processing routine. Radiation kills micro-organisms, bacteria, and other deadly things that could be in your food before it has been packaged.
Stars
Some of the nuclear energy that is produced is done so naturally. Stars, such as the sun, make light and heat by nuclear reactions.
Nuclear Energy Advantages
- Nuclear power plants produce electricity. This helps save our limited supply of natural oil and coal.
- Nuclear power plants require less fuel than power plants that burn fossil fuel
- Nuclear power plants are environmentally friendly. Oil and coal burning plants release harmful toxins into the air.
