Arun Ponshunmugam 4B

Nuclear Energy: America’s Vice or Virtue

As a physics student I understand that the Japan problem needs to be approached in a
pragmatic fashion and this can only be done after I comprehend the severity and essence of the
issue. Before research I have understood that nuclear power is 20.2% of American energy
production. Nuclear energy is produced through the fission or fusion of atoms. It is critical to
digest that nuclear fission and fusion produce energy millions of times larger than chemical
reactions. I will need to know the number of reactors in America and their defense systems
against unexpected disasters. It is also significant to know the level to which the defense
systems will prove functional. For example many nuclear reactors may not be ready for a 9.2
level earthquake on the Richter but they may all be equipped for a 7.5 on the Richter. To
research these qualities, educated personnel in nuclear energy would be an asset. Also the
internet and the Jacksonville Electric Association will prove valuable. Both biased and non-
biased sources will help me understand the pros and cons of nuclear power:

- http://casacabrones.tumblr.com/post/3890587291/discussing-nuclear-energy-with-a-heavy-
heart-japan-earth

- http://www.new.ans.org/

- http://www.world-nuclear.org/

- http://www-ns.iaea.org/committees/insag.asp

- http://library.thinkquest.org/17940/texts/fission_power/fission_power.html

The following will influence the decision on nuclear energy:

- The current upkeep of the nuclear coolant system

- Emergency plans availability
- Effectiveness of the control rod in the reactor vessels
- The depth of the containment floor
- The actual dangers involved with a total nuclear meltdown
- The effectiveness of nuclear energy and is it a “green source”
- Public opinion on the issue

The simplification of nuclear energy is started by explaining the parts of a nuclear

reactor. The essential part of the reactor is the core, which composes of fuel rods and
assemblies. The external part consists of the coolant, the heat exchanger, and the turbines.
The reaction itself is through Uranium235 and cadmium. The control rods are connected to
a mechanism which controls their altitude. The control rods are made of cadmium in order
to control all free Uranium neutrons. As the rod descends, the Cadmium can lower the rate
of fusion. And once the rod is completely touching the containment floor, no reactions are
taking place. The Uranium is transferred to thermal energy by means of friction. This
thermal energy is harnessed by using water and turbines. The water in the exterior of the
reactor is heated beyond the boiling point and the water is then turned to steam. The
thermal energy shifts to kinetic energy because the steam rises and causes the turbines to
rotate. Once the turbines begin rotating, kinetic energy is turned into electric energy for
daily usage.

This controversial entity has both positive and negative aspects:

Positive:

- High amounts of energy are ready to use.

- The CO2 emissions are much lower than in fossil fuels.

- Reliable, unlike wind or solar which are based on weather and other volatile variables.

- Running costs are low

Negative:
- Nuclear energy produces nuclear waste, which can stay radioactive for many thousands
of years.
- High risks are involved in nuclear reactions such as earthquakes or even human
accidents.
- Uranium is a paucity.
- It is expensive and time consuming to build a nuclear reactor
- Health problems are common in power plant workers and Uranium miners

My conclusion is simple; nuclear energy is an absolute waste. More than the benefits,
nuclear energy has a myriad of malevolence involved. By trying to protect the
environment the waste can actually damage the environment beyond repair. Not only is
it harmful to the environment but humans are also negatively affected because the
miners and workers are often inflicted with untreatable forms of cancer. Furthermore,
nuclear energy costs too much for its benefits. It’s true that risks are a necessity but, is it
worth risking all of humanity? Accidents happen all the time and one nuclear accident
can kill millions of innocent lives. This “virtue” can actually be a vice in disguise!