Nuclear power converts heat energy from nuclear fission chain reactions that turn into electricity. FIssion is when an atom is split into two parts through natural decay or when instigated in a lab, which then releases energy. But then the heat generated within the nuclear reactor core from the fission converts the water into steam, which turns the electric turbine alternator. Nuclear reactors maintain a chain reaction, which also helps generate electricity.
But aside of how nuclear power is generated, …show more content…
The radioactive waste produced can be turned to be used as nuclear weapons. Uranium is also a scarce resource. But radioactive waste that comes from it is costly and difficult to dispose of. Areas around the nuclear waste sites can be dangerous to humans. Nuclear power plants also emit a low level of radiation in the environment. Scientific studies have shown an increase in cancer for people who live near the plants. But long-term exposure to radiation can be shown to damage DNA. Radioactive waste can also remain active for hundreds and thousands of years. Some plans have thought to bury the radioactive waste. Some examples of disasters was the Chernobyl nuclear accident in 1986. The Nuclear plant’s reactor caused an huge amount of steam, which then exploded. It released radiation causing people of Chernobyl to suffer. Pregnant women in that area also underwent abortion because of the high levels of radiation that could cause birth defects or disorders. The ghost towns of Pripyat and Chernobyl in Ukraine are off-limits as it promote a huge health risk. in 2011, Fukushima, Japan suffered the same fate. The earthquake and tsunami caused the leakage of radioactive materials. Later the steam filled the building of the plant causing the cooling system to fail causing the core melt down, this was one of the most destructive outcomes ever since Chernobyl, which the people there are still recovering