Atomic Energy

Atomic Energy

“The element uranium may be turned into new and important sources of energy” Einstein (1933)
“I am become death, destroyer of worlds” J. Robert Oppenheimer (fewer than 10 years later)
“Science has nothing to be ashamed of, even in the ruins of Nagasaki” Jacob Bronowski (conversely)

Considering these statements, and the on-going development of atomic energy and its uses, write an essay that:

a)                  explains atomic energy

b)                  compares the arguments for and against the use of atomic energy

c)                   presents your position on atomic energy

What is Atomic Energy?

Atomic energy is energy produced by atoms and most commonly referred to as nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is the result of splitting uranium atoms in a process called fission.  Scientists discovered that when an atom of uranium is struck by a fast moving particle called a neutron it breaks into two or three pieces. The splitting of the uranium produces vast amounts of energy in the form of both heat and light. The energy from splitting the atoms, when slowly released, can be used to produce electricity. When this chain reaction isn’t controlled and the energy is released all at once, a tremendous explosion occurs.

The energy from fission can be harnessed in a nuclear power plant by controlling and slowing down the chain reaction. When harnessing the energy, small amounts of uranium are placed inside long rods and loaded into nuclear reactors. Inside these nuclear reactors the atoms are split apart in a controlled and safe manner.

In the chain reaction, particles released from the splitting of one uranium atom can go on to split other uranium atoms. In order to control this chain reaction, control rods are used to regulate the splitting so that it does not occur too quickly.

This chain reaction produces heat energy which, in turn, is used to produce electricity.

Short History of the Development of Atomic Energy

The development of atomic energy started 200 years ago and is still on-going today.

In 1895 a German physicist discovered x-rays and since then contributions to the development of atomic energy have included the discovery of the electron, radioactive elements in radium and polonium, rays emitting from radium, isotopes, the theory of radioactive decay, the theory of relativity (E=mc²), the nucleus of an atom, the theory of atomic structure, nuclear reactions and quantum mechanics.

The power of nuclear energy soon became clear and a letter to President Roosevelt from Albert Einstein outlined its potential use as a dangerous weapon.

This letter includes the quote – “the element uranium may be turned into new and important sources of energy” (Albert Einstein, 1939). Before the Second World War, the element uranium had no known practical use. The letter was a warning to President Roosevelt during the Second World War of the possibility of constructing an extremely powerful bomb. In his letter, Einstein hinted that the German government intended to do just this.

Although there were many contributions, Einstein’s theory of relativity (E=mc²) was the most significant addition to the development of atomic energy.

Uses of Atomic/Nuclear Energy
Weaponry, Energy, Medicine

There are many uses for nuclear energy, some of which have only been identified very recently while others have been refined and developed to become more efficient and practical.

Weaponry

When nuclear energy was first developed it was used as a highly powerful and dangerous weapon, called an atomic bomb. Nuclear energy was useful as a weapon because of the enormous amount of energy it could give off in the form of an explosion. The atomic bomb has only ever been used in warfare twice. Both times it had devastating effects, killing thousands of people through the blast and then thousands more through radiation poisoning. However, in 1963 the United States, the United Kingdom and the Soviet Union all signed a nuclear test ban treaty that prohibited nuclear weapon testing in the atmosphere, in outer space and under water.

Energy

Nuclear energy provides the world with approximately 14% of its electricity. The first nuclear power station started operation in the 1950’s and there are now over 440 commercial nuclear power reactors operating in 30 countries. Many countries are highly dependent on this source of power. Fifteen countries depend on it for more than a quarter of their electricity while three quarters of France’s power is nuclear.

Medicine

Nuclear energy also plays a significant role in medicine. Nuclear energy plays a role in both the diagnosis and treatment process. Millions of nuclear medical procedures are undertaken each year. It is used to identify and treat many diseases and has potential to benefit the medical field greatly in the future.

For and Against

Since nuclear energy was first introduced there has always been a debate about whether or not nuclear energy should be used. Originally, it was feared as a weapon and when they started using it for electricity, there was strong objection and disapproval. Nuclear energy has many advantages and disadvantages and has impacted the world for both good and bad.

Economic

Nuclear energy has impacted the world economy both positively and negatively. There are huge economic benefits in building a nuclear power plant and using nuclear energy. These benefits include the creation of millions of job opportunities, the ability to generate substantial revenue in electricity sales and the fact that it consumes a large amount and a range of different materials.  As well as having many economical benefits, nuclear energy also has some disadvantages in terms of economic growth. The cost of building and financing a nuclear plant is very high and the cost of creating one is on the rise due to the shortage of parts and skills. Generally, most people agree that the economic advantages of using nuclear power outweigh the disadvantages but there is still much debate about whether the economic advantages are enough to overlook the other detriments.

 Environmental

The most controversial debate about nuclear power is whether it is better for the environment than other power sources or whether it just affects the environment in different ways. Both sides of the argument are relevant and important. On one side, nuclear energy appears to be a clean energy source that meets our growing energy needs. It helps to reduce green house gas emissions and has decreased our reliance on fossil fuels such as coal. Since nuclear power plants don’t ‘burn’ anything they also help protect air quality. However, on the other side nuclear power produces a lot of waste material. This waste material, or radioactive waste, takes thousands of years to decay and can be very harmful to the environment. It can impact the atmosphere, water sources and crops. There are limited options when it comes to disposing this waste safely for the long period of time that it needs to decay. This problem is a huge factor to consider when deciding whether or not you support nuclear power.

Moral

The moral and ethical aspects in the debate for and against nuclear energy are both prominent and important. This is where the quotes from both Oppenheimer and Bronowski have to be considered. The quote, “science has nothing to be ashamed of, even in the ruins of Nagasaki” (Jacob Bronowski), suggests that even after nuclear power was used to kill thousands of people, science cannot be blamed. Some believe that he is right in the fact that it was not science that caused those deaths but people and their immorality. Nuclear weapons are often the topic of debate when it comes to morals and what is acceptable in warfare. Although the US, UK and Russia have signed a treaty against the use of nuclear weapons, there is still approximately 23,000 in existence. After the first atomic bomb was detonated in New Mexico, Robert Oppenheimer, who had a role in the project, was noted as saying “I am become death, the destroyer of worlds”.  Within a month of him saying this, two atomic bombs were dropped on Japan. Another aspect that cannot be ignored when considering the moral decisions is the numerous meltdowns and nuclear accidents, the most recent of which happened last year after a tsunami hit the coast of Japan. There have been abundant nuclear accidents which have caused many health and environmental problems. The radiation from these ‘meltdowns’ has been known to cause cases of radioactive contamination and radiation poisoning leading to the death of humans and animals. The debate for and against always comes back to who is to blame for these problems. Nuclear power may be the right solution for our future but there is the fear of what humans could purposely or accidentally do with it and therefore has been treated with trepidation.

Discussion

I believe that nuclear power is an important and efficient source of energy that is a very good alternative to fossil fuels that emit harmful gases. I also believe that while the nuclear plants that we already have should be well maintained and continue to be used, the money invested in new projects should be used elsewhere. Instead of funding new power plants, this money should go towards more reliable, safe and renewable energy sources and towards research for a better way to dispose of nuclear waste and for developing safer and more reliable ways of obtaining energy from nuclear reactions.

Bibliography

World Nuclear Association, 2011. ‘History of Nuclear Energy’. Retrieved 22^nd January, 2012 from http://world-nuclear.org/info/inf54.html

Vujovik, L 2009. ‘Albert Einstein’. Retrieved 23^rd January, 2012 from http://www.teslasociety.com/einstein.htm

Westinghouse, 2012. ‘What is Nuclear Energy’. Retrieved 23^rd January, 2012 from http://www.westinghousenuclear.com/Community/WhatIsNuclearEnergy.shtm

Edgreen, 2009. ‘Nuclear Energy’. Retrieved 23^rd January, 2012 from http://edugreen.teri.res.in/explore/n_renew/nuclear.htm

Energy Information Administration, 2011. ‘EIA Energy Kids – Nuclear’. Retrieved 24^th January, 2012 from http://www.eia.gov/kids/energy.cfm?page=tl_nuclear

Elert, G 2008. ‘Einstein’s letter to Roosevelt’. Retrieved 24^th January, 2012 from http://hypertextbook.com/eworld/einstein.shtml

HK, 2008. ‘Power Production, Nuclear Power’. Retrieved 25^th January, 2012 from http://www.hk-phy.org/energy/power/print/nuclear_phy_print_e.html

Bellis, M 2010. ‘Atomic Bomb Detonation at Hiroshima’. Retrieved 25^th January, 2012 from http://inventors.about.com/od/astartinventions/a/atomic_bomb_2.htm

John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, 2011. ‘Nuclear Test Ban Treaty’. Retrieved 25^th January, 2012 from http://www.jfklibrary.org/JFK/JFK-in-History/Nuclear-Test-Ban-Treaty.aspx

Peace Pledge Union, 2012. ‘Atomic Bomb.’ Retrieved 27^th January, 2012 from http://www.ppu.org.uk/learn/info/atom1.html

Krieger, D 2012. ‘Nuclear Weapons’. Retrieved 27^th January, 2012 from http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=va&aid=18359

Weaver, L 2011. ‘Nuclear Power Good for Economy’. Retrieved 27^th January, 2012 from http://www.theledger.com/article/20090128/COLUMNISTS/901280304?p=1&tc=pg

Centre for American Progress, 2011. ’10 Reasons Not to Invest in Nuclear Energy’. Retrieved 28^th January, 2012 from http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/07/nuclear_energy.html

Nuclear Energy Institute, 2012. ‘Nuclear Energy’s Economic Benefits’. Retrieved 28^th January, 2012 from http://www.nei.org/resourcesandstats/documentlibrary/newplants/whitepaper/jobs
Totty, M 2012. ‘The Case For and Against Nuclear Energy’. Retrieved 28^th January, 2012 from http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121432182593500119.html