Nuclear Fission

1. Nuclear Fission By: Stephen Sabin Adam Lucas

2. What is Nuclear Fission? Nuclear Fission is a nuclear reaction in which a neutron spikes a relatively large atomic nucleus, which then splits into two or more parts. This creates additional neutrons and energy in the form of heat. More fission are created from other neutrons creating a form of sustainable heat energy.

3. Availability One of the most common isotopes used for fission is Uranium-235. It is common because it is one of the most fissionable isotopes.

4. Availability as fuel source Different isotopes of elements such Uranium and Plutonium are used to make nuclear fuel. The availability of nuclear fuel is directly associated with the availability of those elements.

5. State of technology It is a well developed technology, being discovered in 1938, over 3 decades since the idea was introduced by Earnest Rutherford. World War II brought large advancements to this technology through the Manhattan Project and the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end the war.

6. Economics Nuclear power is a fairly cheap energy source. In November 2009 natural Uranium prices ranged from $40 to $55 per pound. Alsothe average fuel cost at a nuclear power plant in 2008 was $0.0049 per kWh.

7. Environmental Concerns Nuclear power contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, although not quite as much as other fuel sources such as coal. Also there is a much higher possibility of catastrophic events occurring such as core meltdowns such as those of Chernobyl and Three Mile Island. Another possibility is that over-heated fuel releasing massive quantities of fission products to the environment.

8. Human Health Concerns Nuclear energy has been described as a safe alternative to fossil fuel, although under extremely catastrophic circumstances, it can cause diseases such as radiation poisoning and cancer.