Nuclear Energy Energy – It’s Everywhere!. 2 Nuclear Energy Atoms are small particles that make...
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Transcript of Nuclear Energy Energy – It’s Everywhere!. 2 Nuclear Energy Atoms are small particles that make...
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Nuclear Energy
Atoms are small particles that make up all matter.
Each atom is made of outer electrons and a dense core, called the nucleus.
While most nuclei are stable, some break apart with the release of energy – lots of energy!
Nuclear energy is converted to heat energy, which can be used to generate electrical power.
Nuclear FuelUranium, a natural element found in the earth, is the typical fuel for nuclear power.
In the nuclear reaction, uranium breaks into smaller atoms, some of which are very dangerous.
3http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:UraniumUSGOV.jpg http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HEUranium.jpg
Natural Uranium Enriched Uranium
Energy in a Nuclear Reaction
Nuclear reactions, like the break-up of uranium produces much more energy than burning coal – about one million times more energy!
No greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide are produced in a nuclear reactor.
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Inside A Nuclear Reactor
Fuel rods hold the uranium reactor fuel.
The uranium nuclei split, releasing a large of energy and two small particles (called neutrons.)
The neutrons can strike other uranium atoms, making them split.
The control rods absorb neutrons, preventing them from splitting other atoms, slowing the reaction.