Nuclear technology involves reactions of atomic nuclei with applications ranging from smoke detectors to nuclear power. The document discusses the basics of nuclear fission and fusion, how nuclear power plants generate electricity, countries that generate the most nuclear power, and effects of radiation on humans including both short-term and long-term health risks. It also outlines some pros like medical uses and providing electricity as well as cons such as nuclear waste and accidents.

1. Basics ofBasics of
Nuclear TechnologyNuclear Technology

2. TopicsTopics
 Introduction and DiscoveryIntroduction and Discovery
 Nuclear fission, nuclear fusionNuclear fission, nuclear fusion
 Chain ReactionChain Reaction
 How Nuclear Power is generated, advantages andHow Nuclear Power is generated, advantages and
disadvantagesdisadvantages
 Which Fuel is More Energy Efficient?Which Fuel is More Energy Efficient?
 Countries Generating Most Nuclear PowerCountries Generating Most Nuclear Power
 Radiation Effects on HumansRadiation Effects on Humans
 Long Term Effects on HumansLong Term Effects on Humans
 Pros & ConsPros & Cons

3. Nuclear technology is technology that involvesNuclear technology is technology that involves
the reactions of atomic nuclei. It has foundthe reactions of atomic nuclei. It has found
applications from smoke detectors to nuclearapplications from smoke detectors to nuclear
reactors, and from gun sights to nuclearreactors, and from gun sights to nuclear
weapons.weapons.
IntroductionIntroduction

4.  1946 - AEC (Atomic Energy Commission) was established as part of the1946 - AEC (Atomic Energy Commission) was established as part of the
Atomic Energy ActAtomic Energy Act
 1949 - AEC authorized the construction of Experimental Breeder Reactor I1949 - AEC authorized the construction of Experimental Breeder Reactor I
( EBR-1) at a site in Idaho(USA)( EBR-1) at a site in Idaho(USA)
 Early 1951 - A critical chain reaction was reached using uraniumEarly 1951 - A critical chain reaction was reached using uranium
 A football sized core was created and kept at low power for four monthsA football sized core was created and kept at low power for four months
until December 20, 1951until December 20, 1951
 Power was gradually increased until the first usable amount of electricityPower was gradually increased until the first usable amount of electricity
was generated, lighting four light bulbs and introducing nuclear generatedwas generated, lighting four light bulbs and introducing nuclear generated
power for the first timepower for the first time
Early BeginningsEarly Beginnings

5.  A few years later Idaho became the first city toA few years later Idaho became the first city to
get the power supply from nuclear reactorget the power supply from nuclear reactor

6. Nuclear fission,Nuclear fission,
 Nuclear fission :Nuclear fission :is a process, by which a heavyis a process, by which a heavy
nuclide splits into two or more pieces. Fromnuclide splits into two or more pieces. From
masses of nuclides, scientists knew that such amasses of nuclides, scientists knew that such a
process would release a lot of energy.process would release a lot of energy.
 Such a weapon would destroy the enemy inSuch a weapon would destroy the enemy in
such a way that even the winner will be scared.such a way that even the winner will be scared.

8.  Two nuclei combine into one nucleus with theTwo nuclei combine into one nucleus with the
emission of an element called nucleon isemission of an element called nucleon is
calledcalled nuclear fusionnuclear fusion..
 Nuclear fusion is an energy supplying processNuclear fusion is an energy supplying process
which happens in the sun and the stars sincewhich happens in the sun and the stars since
billions of years.billions of years.
 The fusion process takes place at extraordinaryThe fusion process takes place at extraordinary
high temperatures.high temperatures.
Nuclear FusionNuclear Fusion

11. Chain ReactionChain Reaction
 The neutrons produced by fission may strikeThe neutrons produced by fission may strike
other uranium nuclei and produce moreother uranium nuclei and produce more
neutrons. This multiplication process, or chainneutrons. This multiplication process, or chain
reaction, happens in a split second and resultsreaction, happens in a split second and results
in a release of a large amount of heat. Thein a release of a large amount of heat. The
heat is used to generate electricity in a nuclearheat is used to generate electricity in a nuclear
power plant.power plant.

13. How Nuclear Power is generatedHow Nuclear Power is generated
 The reactor uses Uranium rods as fuel, and the heat isThe reactor uses Uranium rods as fuel, and the heat is
generated bygenerated by nuclear fission:nuclear fission: neutrons smash into theneutrons smash into the
nucleus of the uranium atoms, which split roughly innucleus of the uranium atoms, which split roughly in
half and release energy in the form of heat.half and release energy in the form of heat.
 Carbon dioxide gas or water is pumped through theCarbon dioxide gas or water is pumped through the
reactor to take the heat away, this then heats water toreactor to take the heat away, this then heats water to
make steam.make steam.
 The steam drives turbines which drive generators.The steam drives turbines which drive generators.

15. Advantages of Nuclear PowerAdvantages of Nuclear Power
 Nuclear power costs about the same as coal, so it's notNuclear power costs about the same as coal, so it's not
expensive to make.expensive to make.
 Does not produce smoke or carbon dioxide, so it doesDoes not produce smoke or carbon dioxide, so it does
not contribute to the greenhouse effect.not contribute to the greenhouse effect.
 Produces huge amounts of energy from smallProduces huge amounts of energy from small
amounts of fuel.amounts of fuel.
 Produces small amounts of waste.Produces small amounts of waste.

16. DisadvantagesDisadvantages
 Although not much waste is produced, it is very, veryAlthough not much waste is produced, it is very, very
dangerous.dangerous.
It must be sealed up and buried for many thousandsIt must be sealed up and buried for many thousands
of years to allow the radioactivity to die away.of years to allow the radioactivity to die away.
For all that time it must be kept safe fromFor all that time it must be kept safe from
earthquakes, flooding, terrorists and everything else.earthquakes, flooding, terrorists and everything else.
This is difficult.This is difficult.
Nuclear power is reliable, but a lot of money has toNuclear power is reliable, but a lot of money has to
be spent on safety - if itbe spent on safety - if it doesdoes go wrong, a nucleargo wrong, a nuclear
accident can be a major disaster.accident can be a major disaster.

17.  Nuclear Energy from Uranium is notNuclear Energy from Uranium is not
renewablerenewable

18. Which Fuel is More EnergyWhich Fuel is More Energy
Efficient?Efficient?
One uranium pellet (about 1
cm in diameter and 1.5 cm
in length) generates the
same amount of energy as:

19. Countries Generating Nuclear PowerCountries Generating Nuclear Power
CountryCountry Total MWTotal MW
USAUSA 99,78499,784
FranceFrance 58,49358,493
JapanJapan 38,87538,875
GermanyGermany 22,65722,657
RussiaRussia 19,84319,843
CanadaCanada 15,75515,755
UkraineUkraine 12,67912,679
United KingdomUnited Kingdom 11,72011,720
SwedenSweden 10,00210,002
South KoreaSouth Korea 8,1708,170

20. Radiation Effects on HumansRadiation Effects on Humans
Certain body parts are more specifically affected byCertain body parts are more specifically affected by
exposure to different types of radiation sources.exposure to different types of radiation sources.
Several factors are involved in determining theSeveral factors are involved in determining the
potential health effects of exposure to radiation.potential health effects of exposure to radiation.
These include:These include:
* The size of the dose (amount of energy deposited in* The size of the dose (amount of energy deposited in
the body)the body)
* The ability of the radiation to harm human tissue* The ability of the radiation to harm human tissue
* Which organs are affected* Which organs are affected

21.  HairHair
The losing of hair quickly and in clumpsThe losing of hair quickly and in clumps
occurs with radiation exposure at 200 rems oroccurs with radiation exposure at 200 rems or
higher.higher.
 BrainBrain
Since brain cells do not reproduce, they won'tSince brain cells do not reproduce, they won't
be damaged directly unless the exposure isbe damaged directly unless the exposure is
5,000 rems or greater. Like the heart, radiation5,000 rems or greater. Like the heart, radiation
kills nerve cells and small blood vessels, andkills nerve cells and small blood vessels, and
can cause seizures and immediate death.can cause seizures and immediate death.

22.  ThyroidThyroid
The thyroid gland is susceptible to radioactive iodine. InThe thyroid gland is susceptible to radioactive iodine. In
sufficient amounts, radioactive iodine can destroy all or part ofsufficient amounts, radioactive iodine can destroy all or part of
the thyroid. By taking potassium iodide can reduce the effectsthe thyroid. By taking potassium iodide can reduce the effects
of exposure.of exposure.
 Blood SystemBlood System
When a person is exposed to around 100 rems, the blood'sWhen a person is exposed to around 100 rems, the blood's
lymphocyte cell count will be reduced, leaving the victimlymphocyte cell count will be reduced, leaving the victim
more susceptible to infection. This is often refered to as mildmore susceptible to infection. This is often refered to as mild
radiation sickness. Early symptoms of radiation sicknessradiation sickness. Early symptoms of radiation sickness
mimic those of flu and may go unnoticed unless a blood countmimic those of flu and may go unnoticed unless a blood count
is done.According to data from Hiroshima and Nagaski, showis done.According to data from Hiroshima and Nagaski, show
that symptoms may persist for up to 10 years and may alsothat symptoms may persist for up to 10 years and may also
have an increased long-term risk for leukemia and lymphoma.have an increased long-term risk for leukemia and lymphoma.
For more information, visit Radiation Effects ResearchFor more information, visit Radiation Effects Research
Foundation.Foundation.

23.  HeartHeart
Intense exposure to radioactive material at 1,000 to 5,000 remsIntense exposure to radioactive material at 1,000 to 5,000 rems
would do immediate damage to small blood vessels andwould do immediate damage to small blood vessels and
probably cause heart failure and death directly.probably cause heart failure and death directly.
 Gastrointestinal TractGastrointestinal Tract
Radiation damage to the intestinal tract lining will causeRadiation damage to the intestinal tract lining will cause
nausea, bloody vomiting and diarrhea. This is occurs when thenausea, bloody vomiting and diarrhea. This is occurs when the
victim's exposure is 200 rems or more. The radiation willvictim's exposure is 200 rems or more. The radiation will
begin to destroy the cells in the body that divide rapidly.begin to destroy the cells in the body that divide rapidly.
These including blood, GI tract, reproductive and hair cells,These including blood, GI tract, reproductive and hair cells,
and harms their DNA and RNA of surviving cells.and harms their DNA and RNA of surviving cells.
 Reproductive TractReproductive Tract
Because reproductive tract cells divide rapidly, these areas ofBecause reproductive tract cells divide rapidly, these areas of
the body can be damaged at rem levels as low as 200. Long-the body can be damaged at rem levels as low as 200. Long-
term, some radiation sickness victims will become sterile.term, some radiation sickness victims will become sterile.

24. Long Term Effects on HumansLong Term Effects on Humans
The effects- including leukemia, cancer, and manyThe effects- including leukemia, cancer, and many
others- appear two, three, even ten years later.others- appear two, three, even ten years later.
 Blood DisordersBlood Disorders
According to Japanese data, there was an increase inAccording to Japanese data, there was an increase in
anemia among persons exposed to the bomb. In someanemia among persons exposed to the bomb. In some
cases, the decrease in white and red blood cells lastedcases, the decrease in white and red blood cells lasted
for up to ten years after the bombing.for up to ten years after the bombing.

25.  CataractsCataracts
There was an increase in cataract rate of the survivorsThere was an increase in cataract rate of the survivors
at Hiroshima and Nagasaki, who were partly shieldedat Hiroshima and Nagasaki, who were partly shielded
and suffered partial hair loss.and suffered partial hair loss.
 Malignant TumorsMalignant Tumors
A prevalent type of tumor is leukemia. The cancerA prevalent type of tumor is leukemia. The cancer
incidence among survivors of Hiroshima andincidence among survivors of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki is significantly larger than that of theNagasaki is significantly larger than that of the
general population, and a significant correlationgeneral population, and a significant correlation
between exposure level and degree of incidence hasbetween exposure level and degree of incidence has
been reported for thyroid cancer, breast cancer, lungbeen reported for thyroid cancer, breast cancer, lung
cancer, and cancer of the salivary gland. Often acancer, and cancer of the salivary gland. Often a
decade or more passes before radiation-causeddecade or more passes before radiation-caused
malignancies appear.malignancies appear.

26.  KeloidsKeloids
Beginning in early 1946, scar tissue coveringBeginning in early 1946, scar tissue covering
apparently healed burns began to swell andapparently healed burns began to swell and
grow abnormally. Mounds of raised andgrow abnormally. Mounds of raised and
twisted flesh, called keloids, were found in 50twisted flesh, called keloids, were found in 50
to 60 percent of those burned by directto 60 percent of those burned by direct
exposure to the heat rays within 1.2 miles ofexposure to the heat rays within 1.2 miles of
the hypocenter. Keloids are believed to bethe hypocenter. Keloids are believed to be
related to the effects of radiation.related to the effects of radiation.

27. Pros / AdvantagesPros / Advantages
 Medical ApplicationsMedical Applications
The medical applications of nuclearThe medical applications of nuclear
technology are divided into diagnostics andtechnology are divided into diagnostics and
radiation treatment.radiation treatment.
 Radiation therapy is an effective treatment forRadiation therapy is an effective treatment for
cancercancer
• Provides almost 20% of world’s electricity
(8% in U.S.)

28.  Industrial applicationsIndustrial applications
Oil and Gas Exploration- Nuclear well loggingOil and Gas Exploration- Nuclear well logging
is used to help predict the commercial viabilityis used to help predict the commercial viability
of new or existing wells. The technologyof new or existing wells. The technology
involves the use of a neutron or gamma-rayinvolves the use of a neutron or gamma-ray
source and a radiation detector which aresource and a radiation detector which are
lowered into boreholes to determine thelowered into boreholes to determine the
properties of the surrounding rock such asproperties of the surrounding rock such as
porosity and lithography.porosity and lithography.

29.  Road ConstructionRoad Construction - Nuclear- Nuclear
moisture/density gauges are used to determinemoisture/density gauges are used to determine
the density of soils, asphalt, and concrete.the density of soils, asphalt, and concrete.
Typically a Cesium-137 source is used.Typically a Cesium-137 source is used.
 Commercial applicationsCommercial applications
An ionization smoke detector includes a tinyAn ionization smoke detector includes a tiny
mass of radioactive americium-241, which is amass of radioactive americium-241, which is a
source of alpha radiation. Tritium is used withsource of alpha radiation. Tritium is used with
phosphor in rifle sights to increase nighttimephosphor in rifle sights to increase nighttime
firing accuracy. Luminescent exit signs use thefiring accuracy. Luminescent exit signs use the
same technology.same technology.

30.  Food irradiation is the process of exposingFood irradiation is the process of exposing
food to ionizing radiation in order to destroyfood to ionizing radiation in order to destroy
microorganisms, bacteria, viruses, or insectsmicroorganisms, bacteria, viruses, or insects
that might be present in the food.that might be present in the food.

31.  March 6, 2006 — United States - NuclearMarch 6, 2006 — United States - Nuclear
material leakmaterial leak
Thirty-five liters of a highly enriched uraniumThirty-five liters of a highly enriched uranium
solution leaked during transfer into a lab atsolution leaked during transfer into a lab at
Nuclear Fuel Services Erwin Plant. TheNuclear Fuel Services Erwin Plant. The
incident caused a seven-month shutdown and aincident caused a seven-month shutdown and a
required public hearing on the licensing of therequired public hearing on the licensing of the
plant.plant.
Cons / Disadvantages

32.  February 2003: Oak Ridge, During the finalFebruary 2003: Oak Ridge, During the final
testing of a new saltless uranium processingtesting of a new saltless uranium processing
method, there was a small explosion followedmethod, there was a small explosion followed
by a fire. The explosion occurred in anby a fire. The explosion occurred in an
unvented vessel containing unreacted calcium,unvented vessel containing unreacted calcium,
water and depleted uranium.water and depleted uranium.
 The Hiroshima, Nagasaki event in the secondThe Hiroshima, Nagasaki event in the second
world war.world war.