Nuclear Energy Introduction :

Nuclear energy in scientific terms defined as the inhaustible energy derived from the nucleus of the atom by the process of nucleus break up through nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. Nuclear fission is the process where the nucleus of an atom splits and releases radioactive materials such as Uranium which are used in many ways. Nuclear fission is the process when the two atoms of an element get together and large amount of heat is generated. In this way the nucleus released tremendous energy that is utilized for many purposes both constructive and destructive.

Nuclear Energy - a Boon:

The energy released by the nucleus is used in the production of nuclear reactors which perform variety of functions. The nuclear reactors are used to boil water at a very high temperature to produce steam to activate the turbine that is present in the shaft of a generator to produce power. The nuclear energy is powerful because helps in production of heat and electricity is larger quantities. It is a form of energy that does not directly create air pollution like combustion of coal or release of petroleum produces. Nuclear energy is a source of power and may be used in future as a means of substitute because it is free from pollution. There are many advantageous of nuclear energies which the other form of energies cannot provide. Although it releases energy it does not inject any harmful gases like carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide etc that is hazardous to environment.. It does not constitute in the rise of global warming which the other form of energies do. When nuclear energy is being produced many area of the land is not occupied. Many natural resources are not exploited while producing the power. The energy is released by radiation does not specifically cause any harm to the environment and living creatures on earth. Hence nuclear energy is used to preserve the aquatic life and to make environment more favorable to the wild life. We heavily depend upon petroleum products and fossil fuels for production and commutation. But these products are unfortunately exhaustible and hence nuclear energy is a reliable source because it is inexhaustible. Renewable sources of energy such as Solar, Wind & Tidal energy are not viable because of cost, non availability, not being steady or not being sufficient. Since the nuclear fission is the most energy for the lease fuel, this will make power very cheap, reduce the expenditure and will eliminate the shortage of mineral resources. Energy is needed in non-electricity form also, especially for Transport, Medical, Agricultural, Steel and other such industries. As our fluid fuels (natural gas & oil) deplete and their import becomes unaffordable, we will need to convert our low grade coal reserves to fluid fuels and extract low quality petroleum. These process require generation of steam at high temperature for which nuclear energy appears to be only viable means. Nuclear energy has proved a great boon in the field of Medical sciences. Many diseases which were though to be fatal, are being treated quite successfully. Radio isotopes are used for various medical operations. Radio active Cobalt is being employed to cure cancer. The recent medical technology that has spurred in the market sterile insect technique consists of nuclear technology. The nuclear energy is used for clinical purposed to diagnose severe illness in a person. The contribution of nuclear energy in the food production and irrigation purpose is tremendous. It is used in the production of insecticides and pesticides to control the harmful organisms from invading the production. Radiation, when directed on seeds and plants increases the crop output. Radiation also used to kill harmful bacteria so that foods, onions etc may be kept fit for human use for a longer duration of time. Gamma rays provided a valuable means to control pests.

The nuclear energy has proved very helpful in space-flights and submarines. With this marvelous energy at his disposal man will be able to explore hitherto unknown worlds and regions. Thus nuclear energy is needed not only for electricity but also indirectly for non electricity needs.

Nuclear Energy _a Bane:

Nuclear energies can lead to many harmful effects to the human beings and society. The best example for anti nuclear is Chernobil and Fukusima- Japan disasters. The melt down of reactor core gets triggered due to natural disaster or a terror threat or some other way, thousands of people will be affected for hundred of years. Nuclear energy has caused massacre to millions of people over the world. Most of the terror filled events caused in the world today constitutes the use of nuclear energy. When the World Trade Centre, Newyork was attacked by terror group, the explosions were related to utilization of nuclear power. During the world war II many countries made use of nuclear power such as for the manahattan projects, Naziparties etc. The nuclear weapons are the most deadly weapons so far invented by science. The nuclear weapons involve serious dangers. Any atomic conflict on a large scale would result in the complete extinction of human race. The nuclear tests are causing a serious damage o mankind. There is great tension prevailing all over the world. The common peace-loving citizen sincerely desires the imposition of complete ban on these weapons. When most of the nuclear reactor plants produce energy, radiated energy is wasted this can lead to many harmful effects. Although nucleus energy does not create any pollution, the waste that is released in the air can harm the environment. Being exposed to these radiation can lead to many harmful effects especially for the pregnant woman. Their children may be born with genital defects. The radioactive waste has caused harmful effects to many water bodies and aquatic life. Another problem with nuclear power is the disposal of radioactive waste. Due to the extremely long half life of uranium, spent fuel rods stay contaminated for millions of years and no world wide public accepted plans for storage and disposal for them is available. Waste generated from uranium mining operations and rain water run off can contaminate ground and surface water resources with heavy metals and traces of radioactive uranium. The large initial investment for long term pay back, high cost to build and license are major draw backs of nuclear reactors.

Nuclear Energy Boon or Bane?

Nuclear energy that mankind boasts so much about is in reality a boon as well as a curse. The good side of it is that it provides us nuclear energy which is said to be one of the alternative sources of power in the future due to rapid declining stock of coal natural gas and oil. But improper handling of nuclear wastes results in major accidents that may capable of dismantling an entire city or region itself. But at the same time, we can not simply say that we should not go for it because of its inherent damage because of the huge demand supply mismatch that glares at us. Improper handling of these nuclear wastes makes it a curse but there is nothing in the world which just has positive aspects, so if the location of the nuclear reactor should be chosen wisely along with enormous safety precautions and if the people are little cautious about the disposal of the waste products it turns out to be a boon!