Nuclear Energy

We have the ability to sustain a nuclear reaction with uranium or plutonium to generate power. it is because they are already radioactive and releasing energy and we are using known technology to enhance the reaction, control it, and convert its output to electricity in an indirect relatively inefficient manner that results in waste byproducts we are stuck managing.

Lead is not naturally radioactive and we do not (yet?) have the technology to convert a stable element like lead partially, or completely, into energy.

Consider burning coal or wood to get energy. They are flammable so we can set them afire to get heat and light energy (which we can convert to electricity). The result of the burning is ashes and carbon dioxide, water and some other impurities, none of which can burn further or they would have. The way to get more energy from them is to convert it back to something that can give you energy and that involves putting energy into it. Although we can't do it. it does happen in nature. Sunlight (light energy) is used by trees and plants to convert carbon dioxide with water and other nutrients from the ground back into wood and other plant material, which we can then burn or use otherwise. The method for doing that with lead is not as clear.

The first controlled nuclear reaction took place in 1942, and the first nuclear meltdown in US history occurred in 1979, marking a span of 37 years between these two events.

In a nuclear power plant, the energy transformation that occurs is nuclear potential energy from the fission of uranium atoms is converted into thermal energy (heat). This heat is used to produce steam, which turns a turbine to generate electricity.

Uranium-238 is converted to plutonium-239 in nuclear reactors by absorbing neutrons, which then undergo fission reactions. This conversion process is a key aspect of nuclear reactor operation, particularly in breeder reactors where new fuel is produced while generating energy.

Controlled release of nuclear energy in a reactor is achieved by controlling the rate of nuclear fission reactions through the use of control rods. These control rods absorb neutrons, limiting the number available to initiate fission reactions. By adjusting the position of the control rods, the reactor's power output can be regulated to maintain safe and efficient operation.

Nuclear transfer is a technique used in cloning, where the nucleus of a donor cell is transferred into an egg cell that has had its nucleus removed. This can be used to create genetically identical copies of an organism.

Most nuclear power stations use uranium enriched to 3% uranium-235 isotope. The nuclear power stations in France include some reprocessed plutonium mixed with the enriched uranium.

A small number of nuclear power stations were designed with fast neutron breeder reactors and used uranium enriched to as much as 93.7% uranium-235 isotope. As more of the uranium-238 (or thorium-232) in the breeding blanket was transmuted to fissionable plutonium (or uranium) isotopes, the breeding blanket material would be reprocessed and these fissionable isotopes would be used to replace the original spent uranium. But only a small number of such nuclear power stations were built and the system for reprocessing of the breeding blanket material was not set up.

Uranium must be enriched to increase the concentration of uranium-235 isotope, which is the isotope that undergoes fission in nuclear reactors. Natural uranium primarily consists of uranium-238, which is not as efficient at sustaining a nuclear chain reaction. Enrichment increases the proportion of uranium-235, making the fuel more suitable for use in reactors.

The large amount of energy released by a nuclear reaction comes from the conversion of mass into energy, as described by Einstein's famous equation E=mc^2. This means that a small amount of mass is converted into a large amount of energy during nuclear reactions.

Nuclear energy produces wastes in the form of spent nuclear fuels, which are a mixture of radioactive isotopes and heavy metals - both of which are toxic - and irradiated materials surrounding the reactor which become radioactive from exposure to the radiation produced by the reactor and which must be disposed of at the end of the life of the reactor.

Note that breeder reactors - which are not permitted in the USA - convert some of the otherwise unusable radioactive isotopes into fissionable isotopes, thus allowing more of the fuel to be used and reducing amount of fuel rod waste (with the rods being re-processed to recover more usable fuel rather than just disposed of).

Radioactive waves

Coal-fired power plants release more radioactive materials into the atmosphere compared to nuclear power plants. The combustion process of coal concentrates natural radioactive elements such as uranium and thorium, which are released as ash and gases. This results in higher levels of radiation exposure for the public and environment.

Hydrogen is the most likely substance to undergo nuclear fusion. In the core of stars, hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium through the fusion process, releasing vast amounts of energy in the form of heat and light.

Energy conservation can be a very effective way to reduce reliance on nuclear fission and fossil fuels. By reducing overall energy consumption through efficiency measures such as better insulation, efficient appliances, and transportation alternatives, the need for these energy sources can be minimized. However, some sectors may still require alternative energy sources to meet demands that conservation alone cannot fulfill.

Heavy water is not used in fusion for any purpose. Pure deuterium gas is used in some boosted fission nuclear bombs, deuterium-tritium gas is used in some boosted fission nuclear bombs and in some experimental fusion reactors. Lithium deuteride is used in fusion nuclear bombs.

To obtain the deuterium for these purposes heavy water is usually separated by electrolysis into deuterium gas and oxygen gas.

After the extraction of deuterium (or deuterated water) from natural water remain: H2O (molecules with 16O, 17O or 18O) and extremely low concentrations of HTO, T2O.

A nuclear chain reaction occurs when a nucleus undergoes fission, releasing energy and more neutrons. These neutrons can then collide with other nuclei, causing them to also undergo fission and release additional neutrons. This process continues in a chain reaction, leading to the release of large amounts of energy.

Nuclear power is harnessed through a process called nuclear fission, where the nuclei of uranium atoms are split, releasing energy in the form of heat. This heat is used to generate steam, which then drives turbines connected to electricity generators. The generated electricity is then used to power homes, businesses, and industries.

Geiger-Muller counters, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and alpha spectrometry are commonly used to detect depleted uranium due to their ability to measure radiation levels and isotopic composition. Environmental sampling and laboratory analysis are typically required to confirm the presence of depleted uranium in a given sample.

Nuclear power comes from the process of nuclear fission, in which energy is released by splitting atoms of uranium or plutonium in a controlled reaction. This energy is then used to generate heat, which in turn produces steam that drives turbines to generate electricity.

The process when protons and neutrons react during nuclear fusion is called nucleosynthesis. This is the process by which new atomic nuclei are formed from existing protons and neutrons.

Marijuana does not have the ability to absorb or breakdown nuclear radiation. Radiation exposure can have detrimental effects on plants just like animals.

it does not release green house gases

Nuclear power is important because it provides a reliable and consistent source of low-carbon energy that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change. It also contributes to energy security by reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Additionally, nuclear power can generate large amounts of electricity without the need for a significant amount of land compared to other renewable energy sources.

Biomass produces no radioactive waste.