1. Nuclear energy can be used to generate electrical energy.

2. Now, there are more than 30 countries in the world using nuclear energy as their energy source.
Among them are the United States of America, Russia, France, Slovakia and Japan.

Benefits of Nuclear energy source Adverse effect of Nuclear energy source

Nuclear energy is an alternative energy that can replace or reduce the use of petroleum and Radioactive waste can affect the health and threaten lives of
coal. all living things.
Nuclear energy is produced in greater quantity and is more efficient compared to other High cost of mining and processing the nuclear fuels
energy sources.
Nuclear energy produces ionising radiation that is used in various fields such as medicine, The huge amount of energy produced can cause severe harm
agriculture and industry. to mankind if it is misused such as nuclear weapon
The use of nuclear energy can improve the standard of health and living of man.
Nuclear energy releases very little greenhouse gases compared to other energy sources. A non-renewable source of energy

NUCLEAR FISSION NUCLEAR FUSION

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting a heavy radioactive nucleus into two or
more nuclei, which are lighter and more stable together with the release of energy.
1. Nuclear fission occurs when a heavy radioactive nucleus such as uranium-235 is
bombarded by a slow neutron.
2. Bombardment by the neutron causes the nucleus to split into two or more
lighter and stable nuclei.
3. This process releases a lot of energy.
4. The nuclear fission will occur continuously when a neutron bombards and splits
a new nucleus of large mass. This reaction is called a chain reaction.
1. Nuclear fusion is the process of fusing or combining two light radioactive nuclei to
form a heavier nucleus with the release of energy.
2. Nuclear fusion occurs naturally and continuously in the Sun.
3. This process occurs at a very high temperature and releases more nuclear energy
than nuclear fission.
4. The energy released from this process is the main source of energy for life on Earth.
1. Two light and small nuclei such as deuterium and tritium (hydrogen isotope)
combine(fuses) to form a bigger and heavier unstable nucleus.
2. The unstable nucleus will split into a helium nucleus, a neutron and a lot of
energy.

1
GENERATING ELECTRICITY FROM NUCLEAR Turbine
ENERGY The turbine is rotated by
steam causing magnets
in the generator to spin.
Electric generator
Generates electricity through the
process of electromagnetic induction
when magnets spin inside a coil.

Boron control rods

Control the rate of
nuclear fission reaction
by absorbing surplus
neutrons.

Graphite moderator
Slows down the neutrons

Uranium fuel rods

Release heat energy
through nuclear fission to
heat up gas flowing
through the reactor core
Condenser
Concrete shield Cooling agent
Cools and condenses
Prevents radioactive Absorbs heat produced
steam into water.
radiation leakage by the nuclear reaction.
from the reactor.

THE USE OF NUCLEAR ENERGY IN SOME COUNTRIES

Lack of other energy sources Vast country and high population density
Lack other energy sources such as coal and petroleum. Importing these energy China for example is vast and has a high population density. The amount of
sources from other countries will incur high cost. power produced using nuclear energy is enough to generate electricity for the
whole country.
Source of national income Sophisticated technology
The nuclear reactor in Slovakia can produce electricity more than needed by the Countries using nuclear energy are always conducting research and development.
country. Therefore, they can supply electricity to neighbouring countries and As a result, they now have more sophisticated technologies and are able to
earn lucrative income. reduce the risks associated with nuclear reactors.
2
1. The misuse of nuclear energy can cause severe consequences to the world.
2. An example of the misuse of nuclear energy is the use of radioactive substances to make nuclear weapons.
The bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with atomic bombs during World War II
• The atomic bomb “Little Boy” was dropped on Hiroshima on 6 August 1945, followed by another atomic
bomb “Fat Man” on Nagasaki on 9 August 1945.
• The nuclear explosion caused a powerful shock wave that immediately killed about 70,000 civilians.
• The blast caused the whole city to heat up to the extent that steel structures began to melt.
• The blast also affected the environment due to shock wave and radioactive fallout.
• At that moment, all communication systems in the city were cut off.
3. Many countries have now started to invent and produce their own nuclear weapons. However, they are
still bound by the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) which controls and prohibits any country from
using nuclear weapons arbitrarily.

IMPACT OF NUCLEAR TEST

1. Nuclear tests are conducted in the open atmosphere, on land or underwater.
2. These nuclear tests have adverse impact on living things and the environment.
➢ Nuclear tests done underground→ will cause radiation effects to soil and water sources.
➢ Sea → destruction of living things and pollution will occur.
➢ To human on land → somatic and genetic effects.
Effects of radiation spread from nuclear tests
Somatic effects Genetic effects
• Tiredness • Deformation in
• Nausea babies
• Cataract • Cell mutation
• Leukaemia • Cancer
• Hair loss

In Malaysia, 70% of the energy used is generated by natural gas. Petroleum, natural gas and coal are fossil
fuels that are non-renewable.
Support the construction of nuclear Oppose the construction of nuclear power stations
power stations
• Fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and • Nuclear power station produces harmful radioactive waste
petroleum will deplete and its cost will that pollutes the environment and is harmful to all living
increase. things.
• The rate of energy production by • The effects of radioactive radiation and radioactive waste
nuclear power is much greater than that are long term.
of fossil fuels. • The costs of building reactors, managing radioactive waste
• Effects of pollution due to nuclear and associated precautions and skilled manpower are high.
energy is less compared to fossil fuels. • Any accidents or negligent acts will cause spillage of
radioactive waste to the air and expose people to radiation.
• Use of alternative energy sources such as solar energy, wind
power and hydroelectric power is safer compare to nuclear
energy.
3