Are Nuclear Fission Power Stations

a Safe Alternate Energy Source?

Christopher Hughes S08
SACE Number :731873J

Introduction
On the 26th of April 1968, a fission reactor at the Chernobyl
power plant exploded.
Many died, and hundreds of thousands more became
contaminated with radiation poisoning
With similar outcomes to what happened Chernobyl a
dangerous, yet slim possibility, is nuclear power really worth
the risk?

Physics Behind Nuclear

Fission:
Rundown on the physics behind nuclear fission:
Heat and steam must be created to generate electrical power
Heat comes from a chain reaction, which in turn, is instigated from
nuclear fission
Nuclear fission involves splitting an atom to release large amounts of
energy
Uranium is the most common fuel used
Splitting an Uranium atom with a neutron, creates more neutrons as
well as energy, thus starting the chain reaction
Fission
reaction of
Uranium

How to Control the

Heat:
A massive amount of energy and heat is created in the
nuclear fission process
To keep the reactors from overheating, water is used as
the coolant.
The water also proves to be useful as it is a source of
superheated steam, which in turn, can help power the
electric generator.

Dangers to Living Organisms:

Radiation posses great danger to living
organisms
Uranium naturally decays and releases
radioactive particles
These particles are extremely deadly as
they are able to ionize.
In relation to humans, this ionization of
atoms reshapes our DNA code, therefore
causing cells to mutate.
It is believed that within the next few
decades, 50,000 to 100,000 people will
die of cancer or cancer related issues
from the radiation released at Chernobyl

A comparison of radiation
exposure levels, measured in
millisieverts (mSv).

What Happened at
Chernobyl?
In the case of Chernobyl, it was a combination of poor reactor
design and human error that caused the explosion and fire.
As far back as 1946, was the plant designs rejected flat out
by the British as being completely dangerous.
Chernobyl had no thick layer of concrete to trap radioactivity
incase it leaked. It also had no emergency backup coolant.
The reactor was essentially a time-bomb, remaining safe as
long as the operator didn'tt make a mistake.
.
The reactor hall
at Chernobyl
seen before the
explosion

Conclusion
Ultimately, running a safe nuclear power station relies
heavily on maintaining the perfect balance between too
much and too little heat.
However, with the constant advancements in technology, as
well as the ever-nearing threat of global warming, nuclear
power is becoming a more and more tempting option.

The Chernobyl
plant, two to
three days after
its reactor
explosion

Bibliography
Websites:
Tan, B. (2008). Nuclear Physics. Available:
http://www.bentan.me/chernobyl/?page=nuclearphysics. Last accessed
8th Aug 2013.
Mayr, W. (2006). Chernobyl's Aftermath. Available:
http://www.spiegel.de/international/spiegel/chernobyl-s-aftermath-thepompeii-of-the-nuclear-age-a-411684.html. Last accessed 8th Aug 2013.
Unknown. (2006). The Physics of a Disaster. Available:
http://www.computernewbie.info/wheatdogg/2006/04/28/the-physics-of-adisaster/. Last accessed 8th Aug 2013.

Books:
R, Graham (1986). The Chernobyl Catastrophe. West Essex: Wayland
Limited. p-4-24.