Nuclear Energy

NUCLEAR ENERGY

The enormous amount of energy released during the nuclear chain reaction of heavy isotope like U²³⁵ (or) Pu²³⁹ is called nuclear energy.

1. Definition

The energy released by the nuclear fission (or) nuclear fusion, is called nuclear energy.

Illustration

The fission of U²³⁵ (or) Pu²³⁹ occurs instantaneously, producing enormous amount of energy in the form of heat and radiation.

 Fig. 7.2 Nuclear energy

2. Cause of the release of energy

The enormous amount of energy released during the nuclear fission is due to the loss in some mass, when the reaction takes place. It has been observed that during nuclear fission, the sum of the masses of the products formed is slightly less than the sum of masses of target species and bombarding neutron. The loss in mass gets converted into energy according to Einstein equation

E = ∆mc²

ஃ ∆m = (M – M')

where

c = velocity; ∆m = loss in mass and E = energy.

M = Mass of radioactive substance before emitting radiation

M' = Mass of radioactive substance after emitting radiation

3. Hazards of using nuclear energy

The radiation is harmful to the living organisms. The long and constant exposure of living organisms to these radiations causes the following disease.

 (i) The nuclear radiation can damage the structure of cells in the human body.

(ii) It causes diseases like cancer and blindness.

(iii) It causes genetic disorder in a human body.

(iv) It causes sterility in young generation.

4. Applications of nuclear energy

1. Electricity generation

Nuclear energy is an environmental-friendly energy resource for power generation.

2. Source of pure water

The water discharged from the nuclear reactors is free from radiation and is clean enough to conserve animals and aquatic animals.

3. Health care

Radioactive isotopes (nuclear energy) find use in treatment of cancer by radiotherapy. It is also used for sterilization to destroy micro-organism.

4. Agriculture

It is used to control of agricultural pests. Nuclear radiation delays ripening of fruits.