Nuclear Power In Australia
Nuclear Power Debate
Year 11 Physics
Gurjyot Singh
Australia currently has no nuclear facilities generating electricity, which is forcing the Australian Government to look towards nuclear energy as a great alternative. Nuclear energy is a growing controversial topic in Australia; because the demands of utilizing electricity are increasing rapidly. According to a recent study, Australia has 23% of the world’s uranium deposits and is the second largest producer of uranium. Which leads to one question, why isn’t Australia using nuclear power plants, when 23% of uranium deposits can be used to produce enough electricity to last several centuries. Well this is why I am here today, to answer this “heavily …show more content…
debated concept”.
It’s the 21st century and the use of electricity has dramatically increased over the few years, making humans dependency on electricity compulsive and irresistible. The debate on nuclear power has arisen so high that I, a specialist consultant have to articulate a speech, giving in on my opinion, whether or whether not Australia should proceed with regards to the use of nuclear energy.
In this report I will try address almost every aspect of the nuclear physics involved in nuclear technology, nuclear power and uranium mining etc., to provide a strong foundation behind my statements from start to finish. This will allow me to provide the most logical and powerful response, as to whether Australia should proceed with nuclear energy or not.
The main argumentative question being asked is if “Australia should proceed with regards to the use of nuclear energy”.
This report will therefore create an argument for or against the uses of nuclear energy.
Firstly, let’s start off with nuclear technology. Since the discovery of nuclear technology its applications have been and continue to be numerous. Among them, the most known is the production of electricity. However, nuclear technology has many applications in other fields (Foro Nuclear, 2015).
Nuclear technology can be used in a variety of areas ranging from: nuclear medicine, and nuclear reactors to nuclear weapons. Some examples of technologies include smoke detectors and gun sights. Many of these applications have evolved in: industry, hydrology, food and agriculture, art, medicine, science, cosmology and space exploration (Foro Nuclear, 2015). For example in medicine X rays, MRI’s and CAT scans allow doctors or surgeons to locate problems within the human body from minor issue to big issues like diseases and cancer. Without nuclear technology the world wouldn’t have been so advanced like it is …show more content…
today.
In physics, radiation is the emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or material medium. Radiation can be ionizing or either non-ionizing. In this world we have a risk of radiation and there are three most common types of radiation that can be emitted by radioactive particles. They are called: alpha, beta and gamma (Mdc.edu, 2015). All three types of radiation are emitted from the nucleus of an atom. Furthermore, all three types of radiation are known to cause ionisation and nuclear radiation. Firstly, alpha particles are released by high mass, proton rich unstable nuclei, which consists of two protons and two neutrons (fig 1) and can be considered as a helium nucleus (fig 2). Figure 1, showing an alpha particle. Source – (study.com) Figure 2, showing an alpha particle as a helium atom. Source – (insharepics.info)
Secondly, beta particles (fig 3) are high-speed electrons emitted from the nuclei of decaying radioisotopes (Mdc.edu, 2015). Since these are electrons, they have a negative charge and a small mass, approximated as 0 amu (atomic mass unit) (Mdc.edu, 2015). Figure 3, showing a beta particle. Source – (www.wyzant.com)
Lastly, gamma radiation (fig 4) is similar to x-rays. They have no charge, a very short wavelength, but travel at the speed of light and have high amounts of energy. Figure 4, showing a gamma ray. Source – (www.furryelephant.com)
In addition, all three types of radiation have different penetration abilities. Alpha has the lowest penetration, as it can be stopped by a thin piece of paper or human hand. Beta particles are a bit more penetrating as it can travel 2 or 3 meters through air. Furthermore, beta particles can be stopped by heavy clothing thick cardboard or one-inch thick wood. And lastly, gamma rays are the most penetrating as they can travel 500m through air, which can only be stopped by thick sheets of lead or concrete. An animation can be seen in figure 5. Figure 5, showing the penetration abilities for alpha, beta and gamma. Source – (
Let’s move on to radioactive decay. Radioactive decay, also known as nuclear decay is the process in which a nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting radiation. The three types alpha, beta and gamma. In gamma decay, an excited nucleus releases gamma rays; however, its proton (Z) and neutron (A-Z) number remain the same. The equation can be seen in figure 6 Figure 6, showing gamma decay equation
An example of gamma decay can be seen in figure 7, when Pu-240 is plutonium and the γ-shaped symbol is gamma. Figure 7, showing gamma decay example
In beta decay, a nucleus releases energy and either an electron (beta-minus) or positron (beta plus). In the case of an electron being released in beta-minus decay, the atomic mass (A) remains the same as a neutron is converted into a proton, causing the atomic number to raise by 1. The equation can be seen in figure 8 Figure 8, showing beta-minus decay equation
An example of beta-minus decay can be seen in figure 9, where carbon-14 radiates to produce nitrogen-14 with one more proton number of 7, an antineutrino and electron. Figure 9, showing beta-minus decay example. Source – (chemistry.tutorvista.com) Furthermore, in the case of a positron being released, the atomic mass remains constant as a proton is converted to a neutron, causing the atomic number to lower by 1. The equation can be seen in figure 10 Figure 10, showing beta-plus decay equation
An example of beta-plus decay can be seen in figure 11, where carbon-10 produces boron-10 with one less proton number, a neutrino and positron. education.jlab.org
Figure 11, showing beta-plus decay example. Source – (education.jlab.org)
Lastly, there is alpha decay. Alpha decay is the only type of nuclear decay, which causes two protons and neutrons to be lost as a helium nucleus. The equation can be seen in figure 12 Figure 12, showing alpha decay equation
An example of alpha decay in figure 13 can be seen where uranium-238 undergoes alpha radiation forming a daughter thorium-234 while releasing separating a helium-4 from the nucleus. Figure 13, showing alpha decay example. Source – (socratic.org)
There are two ways atoms can interact by nuclear fission or fusion. They both follow the Law of Conservation of Nucleon Number, which states “the sum of protons and neutrons among species before and after a nuclear reaction will be the same.” Firstly, nuclear fission is the process in which the nucleus of an atom gets bombarded with a neutron forcing it to split into a smaller lighter nucleus, releasing large amounts of energy. The process can be seen in figure 14, as uranium gets hit by a neutron breaking into two smaller more lighter atoms. Figure 14, nuclear fission
Secondly, nuclear fusion is where two or more atomic nuclei come very close and collide at a very high speed, joining to form a new nucleus, releasing energy.
The process can be seen in figure 15. Figure 15, nuclear fusion
In addition, nuclear energy is a form of energy that can be harnessed from an atomic nucleus, and can be released by radioactive decay, fusion, or fission. This source of energy makes use of the power of nuclear reactions to release energy for the use of electricity, heating, and also propulsion.
Nuclear energy is released when materials like uranium, is concentrated so that nuclear fission occurs in a chain reaction. The chain reaction releases energy that can be utilized to heat up water, and the steam from the heated water can then be used to turn a turbine, and can be then converted into electrical energy.
Now let’s move onto half-lives. Half-live is where the nuclei of a radioactive sample are halved after a certain characteristic period. Different radioactive isotopes have different half-lives. For example, the half-life of carbon-14 is 5,715 years, but the half-life of francium-223 is just 20 minutes. The fastest way to determine the half-life of a nuclei is using a graph, the graph in figure 16 shows the count rate against
time.
Year 11 Physics
Gurjyot Singh
Australia currently has no nuclear facilities generating electricity, which is forcing the Australian Government to look towards nuclear energy as a great alternative. Nuclear energy is a growing controversial topic in Australia; because the demands of utilizing electricity are increasing rapidly. According to a recent study, Australia has 23% of the world’s uranium deposits and is the second largest producer of uranium. Which leads to one question, why isn’t Australia using nuclear power plants, when 23% of uranium deposits can be used to produce enough electricity to last several centuries. Well this is why I am here today, to answer this “heavily …show more content…
debated concept”.
It’s the 21st century and the use of electricity has dramatically increased over the few years, making humans dependency on electricity compulsive and irresistible. The debate on nuclear power has arisen so high that I, a specialist consultant have to articulate a speech, giving in on my opinion, whether or whether not Australia should proceed with regards to the use of nuclear energy.
In this report I will try address almost every aspect of the nuclear physics involved in nuclear technology, nuclear power and uranium mining etc., to provide a strong foundation behind my statements from start to finish. This will allow me to provide the most logical and powerful response, as to whether Australia should proceed with nuclear energy or not.
The main argumentative question being asked is if “Australia should proceed with regards to the use of nuclear energy”.
This report will therefore create an argument for or against the uses of nuclear energy.
Firstly, let’s start off with nuclear technology. Since the discovery of nuclear technology its applications have been and continue to be numerous. Among them, the most known is the production of electricity. However, nuclear technology has many applications in other fields (Foro Nuclear, 2015).
Nuclear technology can be used in a variety of areas ranging from: nuclear medicine, and nuclear reactors to nuclear weapons. Some examples of technologies include smoke detectors and gun sights. Many of these applications have evolved in: industry, hydrology, food and agriculture, art, medicine, science, cosmology and space exploration (Foro Nuclear, 2015). For example in medicine X rays, MRI’s and CAT scans allow doctors or surgeons to locate problems within the human body from minor issue to big issues like diseases and cancer. Without nuclear technology the world wouldn’t have been so advanced like it is …show more content…
today.
In physics, radiation is the emission or transmission of energy in the form of waves or particles through space or material medium. Radiation can be ionizing or either non-ionizing. In this world we have a risk of radiation and there are three most common types of radiation that can be emitted by radioactive particles. They are called: alpha, beta and gamma (Mdc.edu, 2015). All three types of radiation are emitted from the nucleus of an atom. Furthermore, all three types of radiation are known to cause ionisation and nuclear radiation. Firstly, alpha particles are released by high mass, proton rich unstable nuclei, which consists of two protons and two neutrons (fig 1) and can be considered as a helium nucleus (fig 2). Figure 1, showing an alpha particle. Source – (study.com) Figure 2, showing an alpha particle as a helium atom. Source – (insharepics.info)
Secondly, beta particles (fig 3) are high-speed electrons emitted from the nuclei of decaying radioisotopes (Mdc.edu, 2015). Since these are electrons, they have a negative charge and a small mass, approximated as 0 amu (atomic mass unit) (Mdc.edu, 2015). Figure 3, showing a beta particle. Source – (www.wyzant.com)
Lastly, gamma radiation (fig 4) is similar to x-rays. They have no charge, a very short wavelength, but travel at the speed of light and have high amounts of energy. Figure 4, showing a gamma ray. Source – (www.furryelephant.com)
In addition, all three types of radiation have different penetration abilities. Alpha has the lowest penetration, as it can be stopped by a thin piece of paper or human hand. Beta particles are a bit more penetrating as it can travel 2 or 3 meters through air. Furthermore, beta particles can be stopped by heavy clothing thick cardboard or one-inch thick wood. And lastly, gamma rays are the most penetrating as they can travel 500m through air, which can only be stopped by thick sheets of lead or concrete. An animation can be seen in figure 5. Figure 5, showing the penetration abilities for alpha, beta and gamma. Source – (
Let’s move on to radioactive decay. Radioactive decay, also known as nuclear decay is the process in which a nucleus of an unstable atom loses energy by emitting radiation. The three types alpha, beta and gamma. In gamma decay, an excited nucleus releases gamma rays; however, its proton (Z) and neutron (A-Z) number remain the same. The equation can be seen in figure 6 Figure 6, showing gamma decay equation
An example of gamma decay can be seen in figure 7, when Pu-240 is plutonium and the γ-shaped symbol is gamma. Figure 7, showing gamma decay example
In beta decay, a nucleus releases energy and either an electron (beta-minus) or positron (beta plus). In the case of an electron being released in beta-minus decay, the atomic mass (A) remains the same as a neutron is converted into a proton, causing the atomic number to raise by 1. The equation can be seen in figure 8 Figure 8, showing beta-minus decay equation
An example of beta-minus decay can be seen in figure 9, where carbon-14 radiates to produce nitrogen-14 with one more proton number of 7, an antineutrino and electron. Figure 9, showing beta-minus decay example. Source – (chemistry.tutorvista.com) Furthermore, in the case of a positron being released, the atomic mass remains constant as a proton is converted to a neutron, causing the atomic number to lower by 1. The equation can be seen in figure 10 Figure 10, showing beta-plus decay equation
An example of beta-plus decay can be seen in figure 11, where carbon-10 produces boron-10 with one less proton number, a neutrino and positron. education.jlab.org
Figure 11, showing beta-plus decay example. Source – (education.jlab.org)
Lastly, there is alpha decay. Alpha decay is the only type of nuclear decay, which causes two protons and neutrons to be lost as a helium nucleus. The equation can be seen in figure 12 Figure 12, showing alpha decay equation
An example of alpha decay in figure 13 can be seen where uranium-238 undergoes alpha radiation forming a daughter thorium-234 while releasing separating a helium-4 from the nucleus. Figure 13, showing alpha decay example. Source – (socratic.org)
There are two ways atoms can interact by nuclear fission or fusion. They both follow the Law of Conservation of Nucleon Number, which states “the sum of protons and neutrons among species before and after a nuclear reaction will be the same.” Firstly, nuclear fission is the process in which the nucleus of an atom gets bombarded with a neutron forcing it to split into a smaller lighter nucleus, releasing large amounts of energy. The process can be seen in figure 14, as uranium gets hit by a neutron breaking into two smaller more lighter atoms. Figure 14, nuclear fission
Secondly, nuclear fusion is where two or more atomic nuclei come very close and collide at a very high speed, joining to form a new nucleus, releasing energy.
The process can be seen in figure 15. Figure 15, nuclear fusion
In addition, nuclear energy is a form of energy that can be harnessed from an atomic nucleus, and can be released by radioactive decay, fusion, or fission. This source of energy makes use of the power of nuclear reactions to release energy for the use of electricity, heating, and also propulsion.
Nuclear energy is released when materials like uranium, is concentrated so that nuclear fission occurs in a chain reaction. The chain reaction releases energy that can be utilized to heat up water, and the steam from the heated water can then be used to turn a turbine, and can be then converted into electrical energy.
Now let’s move onto half-lives. Half-live is where the nuclei of a radioactive sample are halved after a certain characteristic period. Different radioactive isotopes have different half-lives. For example, the half-life of carbon-14 is 5,715 years, but the half-life of francium-223 is just 20 minutes. The fastest way to determine the half-life of a nuclei is using a graph, the graph in figure 16 shows the count rate against
time.