0
What would happen to you if living within 10 miles of a nuclear reactor meltdown?
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
That depends, the three mile island meltdown affected nobody because the containment held everything in and there were no steam or hydrogen explosions. However Chernobyl (no containment, big steam explosion) and Fukushima (containment breached by hydrogen explosions) meltdowns severely contaminated areas well beyond 10 miles distance.
Wiki User
∙ 9y ago
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What are two problems cause by harnessing nuclear energy?
In the modern era, the discovery of the potential energy that is stored within the structure of the atomic nucleus, led to the usage of a new form of energy, that is the nuclear energy. The concept of nuclear physics is constantly developing, as an independent discipline of science. The usage of nuclear energy often sounds incredible and every advantageous, but the use of this technology results into disaster if proper precautions are not taken. Problem of Waste Disposal During the process of nuclear fission, neutrons (particles having no charge or neutral charge) are bombarded on atoms of heavy elements, like uranium. This bombardment causes the entire fuel of the reactor, that is usually uranium or plutonium, to disintegrate or decompose. The process of decomposition produces a huge amount of heat, a large volume of heavy element atoms, and a lot of neutrons. In addition to these products, the nuclear fission also produces a big volume of radioactive waste. This radioactive waste can be easily used to make a nuclear bomb. The radioactive waste has to be disposed in some or the other manner. Though, its disposal and storage is very costly. If it falls in the wrong hands like those of a terrorist organization, it can prove to be extremely fatal. The leakage of radioactive waste from the reactor or from highly secured storage areas, is also very dangerous. Living beings, exposed to such kind of radiation, especially from nuclear waste, suffer from many problems like cancer, abnormal growth and sometimes can also lead to immediate death. Reactor Safety The nuclear reactor is the place inside which the process of nuclear integration takes place. The environment inside the place is full of heated reactions. The reaction of nuclear fissions not only produce heat, but they also result into many different reactions, due to the fact that the neutrons are produced as a by-product in the process of making nuclear fission a chain reaction. It is very important that the environment within the reactor remains highly controlled and sealed. The action of fission also tends to produce a high amount of radiation. If the radiation or the reacting elements leak out, then the health of people in the nearby vicinity is endangered. The leaked out matter sometimes also spreads to many different places through the atmosphere. If the level of leakage is very high, then it can also cause a huge explosion in the environment that would be comparable to a miniature nuclear bomb explosion. Nuclear Meltdown One of the biggest risks of nuclear energy is nuclear meltdown. A nuclear melt down occurs when the coolant, which is prominently water, gets over-heated or stops working. Sometimes the controlled environmental conditions also get over heated, causing a meltdown. In case of a meltdown, the radiations that are produced in the reactions inside, escape the controlled environment. The meltdown releases many toxic elements into the environment contaminating a huge area. A nuclear meltdown in the reactor had occurred at Chernobyl, Ukraine which resulted into ghastly effects. It is hence wise, to take the proper precautions and avoid the nuclear disasters. The control measures though costly, if taken, will ensure an uncontaminated environment, for the current as well as the future generations to come. If not, then the nuclear contamination would be capable of wiping out mankind.
Is nuclear energy cheaper than other source?
Yes, nuclear energy is cheaper, and it does not produce any greenhouse gases. The spent fuel rods can be reprocessed to enrich new fuel. There has not been a nuclear reactor built in the USA in 30 years, and the only near disaster in the US was Three Mile Island in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in March 1979. Over the last 32 years our understanding of plate tectonics, material technology, metallurgy, radiation, earthquake proof construction, etc... has increased drastically, and I have no fears living 20 miles down wind of a 3 reactor nuclear power plant.
Would you feel safe living within 5 miles of a nuclear power plant Why or why not?
No. If there is a disaster in a nuclear plant - and those DO happen now and then - this can affect populations hundreds, or even thousands, of kilometers from the power plant.
Does the production of nuclear energy harm living things?
It can do if living organisms are exposed to too much radiation, but plants are designed and operated carefully so this does not happen, except in very rare accidents such as at Chernobyl
For a young couple living in a nuclear family can produce what?
(C.) feelings of isolation and loneliness (cheater!!) lol
What are two problems cause by harnessing nuclear energy?
In the modern era, the discovery of the potential energy that is stored within the structure of the atomic nucleus, led to the usage of a new form of energy, that is the nuclear energy. The concept of nuclear physics is constantly developing, as an independent discipline of science. The usage of nuclear energy often sounds incredible and every advantageous, but the use of this technology results into disaster if proper precautions are not taken. Problem of Waste Disposal During the process of nuclear fission, neutrons (particles having no charge or neutral charge) are bombarded on atoms of heavy elements, like uranium. This bombardment causes the entire fuel of the reactor, that is usually uranium or plutonium, to disintegrate or decompose. The process of decomposition produces a huge amount of heat, a large volume of heavy element atoms, and a lot of neutrons. In addition to these products, the nuclear fission also produces a big volume of radioactive waste. This radioactive waste can be easily used to make a nuclear bomb. The radioactive waste has to be disposed in some or the other manner. Though, its disposal and storage is very costly. If it falls in the wrong hands like those of a terrorist organization, it can prove to be extremely fatal. The leakage of radioactive waste from the reactor or from highly secured storage areas, is also very dangerous. Living beings, exposed to such kind of radiation, especially from nuclear waste, suffer from many problems like cancer, abnormal growth and sometimes can also lead to immediate death. Reactor Safety The nuclear reactor is the place inside which the process of nuclear integration takes place. The environment inside the place is full of heated reactions. The reaction of nuclear fissions not only produce heat, but they also result into many different reactions, due to the fact that the neutrons are produced as a by-product in the process of making nuclear fission a chain reaction. It is very important that the environment within the reactor remains highly controlled and sealed. The action of fission also tends to produce a high amount of radiation. If the radiation or the reacting elements leak out, then the health of people in the nearby vicinity is endangered. The leaked out matter sometimes also spreads to many different places through the atmosphere. If the level of leakage is very high, then it can also cause a huge explosion in the environment that would be comparable to a miniature nuclear bomb explosion. Nuclear Meltdown One of the biggest risks of nuclear energy is nuclear meltdown. A nuclear melt down occurs when the coolant, which is prominently water, gets over-heated or stops working. Sometimes the controlled environmental conditions also get over heated, causing a meltdown. In case of a meltdown, the radiations that are produced in the reactions inside, escape the controlled environment. The meltdown releases many toxic elements into the environment contaminating a huge area. A nuclear meltdown in the reactor had occurred at Chernobyl, Ukraine which resulted into ghastly effects. It is hence wise, to take the proper precautions and avoid the nuclear disasters. The control measures though costly, if taken, will ensure an uncontaminated environment, for the current as well as the future generations to come. If not, then the nuclear contamination would be capable of wiping out mankind.
What precautions should be taken before the nuclear disaster?
People living within the nearest periphery of a nuclear plant, should be taught about the precautions to be taken against the impending risk from the nuclear reactors of the plants. By this way, Japan was able to minimize loss of human lives during their recent nuclear reactor emission. Using of masks, going underground to evade poisonous gases,spraying chemicals to neutralize the effect of nuclear reactor emissions are few of the steps generally undertaken during an eventuality.
What are the disadvantages of radioactive waste?
Radioactive pollution occurs when a nuclear plant has a meltdown. Radioactive particles that are exposed to living cells will likely cause cancer in people and animals. Furthermore, it can destroy crops and cause them to mutate.
Why do nuclear reactors need sheilding?
so that the harmful radiations do not come out of the reactor and harm the living organisms including human beings. because many of the radiations can cause severe damage
Is a nuclear reaction a living thing?
A nuclear reaction is not considered a living thing.
If the nuclear energy isn't used safely how can it harm?
If a reactor's fuel is damaged by melting and the active fission products formed, like Iodine 131, are allowed to escape, people living nearby can be exposed to enough radiation to damage their health. Reactor design and operation is aimed at preventing this, and is generally very successful in doing so.
Is nuclear energy cheaper than other source?
Yes, nuclear energy is cheaper, and it does not produce any greenhouse gases. The spent fuel rods can be reprocessed to enrich new fuel. There has not been a nuclear reactor built in the USA in 30 years, and the only near disaster in the US was Three Mile Island in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in March 1979. Over the last 32 years our understanding of plate tectonics, material technology, metallurgy, radiation, earthquake proof construction, etc... has increased drastically, and I have no fears living 20 miles down wind of a 3 reactor nuclear power plant.
Would you feel safe living within 5 miles of a nuclear power plant Why or why not?
No. If there is a disaster in a nuclear plant - and those DO happen now and then - this can affect populations hundreds, or even thousands, of kilometers from the power plant.
Does the production of nuclear energy harm living things?
It can do if living organisms are exposed to too much radiation, but plants are designed and operated carefully so this does not happen, except in very rare accidents such as at Chernobyl
Can we store nuclear energy in small packs?
Nuclear energy comes already stored in small packs called atoms. But as for out modest ability to access and harness it for good, we as humans are still a long way from a "small pack" of nuclear energy that might be used to generate electricity, warm food, or light a living space. Anyone who envisions a lunchbox sized nuclear energy source is thinking beyond our technical ability. About the best we can do is build a small nuclear reactor about the size of a shipping container to generate energy via fission.
Is nuclear activity a character of living things?
Nuclear activity is a character of everything.
What animals are affected by nuclear waste?
Nuclear wastes may be the cause of radioactive contamination of soils, waters, atmosphere, living beings.
