2007-01-31 00:21:07 · 6 answers · asked by tarabeara2332 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Engineering
Nuclear energy requires the use of a radioactive source such as uranium or plotonium. these radioactive soures can be easily leaked or stolen and can cause damage to life and contaminate the environment.
the nuclear chain reaction is controlled so that too many neutrons do not escape and cause the chain reaction to go out of control. however various accidents have taken place where the chain reaction goes out of control and an explosion takes place.
safe disposal of the used nuclear fuel is also a major issue. most of the wastes generated after a reaction are radioactive and have very long half lives( they take a long time to loose their radioactivity and become safe). they have to be stored in safe places and prevent their leakage or theft.
2007-01-31 00:53:25 · answer #1 · answered by karthikg_92 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the production of Uranium power, usually Uranium 235 is used. The Uranium rods are immersed in water so that when the actual reactions(nuclear fission) takes place, the most harmful particles are retained in the water, the water is only changed after long periods of time.
The container are built from concrete, to protect personnel, they also wear protective outfits
The radioactive rods are changed after about 10 years. You have to dig from 500m to 1000m deep to bury them.
Temparatures and pressure are also constantly monitored through computers as should each rise too high, an explosion could easily result.
2007-01-31 09:05:18 · answer #2 · answered by beautilicious88 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nuclear reactor are designed for fail safe operation. They are our best source of electrical power generation.
The only big problem is that they are not designed to withstand a direct hit from a Nuclear bomb dropped by an airplane or Nuclear missiles.That is the one of it biggest drawback. Other wise its a very good system.
2007-01-31 09:02:30 · answer #3 · answered by goring 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main "caution" is the radioactive water waste by products. Now there is a system using Helium for heat trasnfer (waterless system). Now there is no reason for any new coal or fossil fuel plants to be built. Helium systems have 98% less radioactice waste.
2007-01-31 11:59:15 · answer #4 · answered by Gunny T 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Better don't use it. It's not easy to control nuclear power since that is a chain reaction. Uranium rods may control chain reactions a bit. But it is not practical to use it.
2007-01-31 08:27:22 · answer #5 · answered by vinodh.mano 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Very dangerous, ever heard of Chernobyl? if ya didn't it was a disaster for Europe.
2007-01-31 12:13:36 · answer #6 · answered by Robin RJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋