In this short essay, I will be discussing the differences between Nuclear Fission and Nuclear Fusion. I will discuss each type of reaction and how they are related to the energy industry. I will also discuss why only fission reactors are currently used for nuclear power production and what the future holds for both nuclear fission and fusion.
By definition, nuclear fission is the splitting of an atom into two smaller nuclei with the release of energy. Fission does not normally occur naturally in nature. This type of reaction takes place when a large unstable isotope, usually Uranium, U-235, comes into contact with high speed neutrons. When they collide, fission takes place and in the process breaks down into smaller isotopes, high speed neutrons and a large amount of energy. These high speed neutrons strike more atoms which causes a fission trigger chain reaction that is self-sustaining. The energy created by fission is then used to heat water to steam form which is used to drive turbine generators and produce electricity. …show more content…
They provide around 10% of the world’s electricity. Within the United States, there are two types of nuclear power plants: boiling water reactors (BWR) and pressurized water reactors (PWR). Boiling water reactors boil the water around the nuclear fuel, heating it into steam and then carry the steam directly to the turbine which dives the generator and produces electricity. The unused steam is recycled back into water and used again in the same process. Pressurized water reactors heat water surrounding the nuclear fuel but keep the water under pressure to prevent it from boiling. This hot water is then pumped to second boiler which creates the steam to drive the turbine generator and produce electricity. Just like the BWR, the unused steam is recycled back into the water for
By definition, nuclear fission is the splitting of an atom into two smaller nuclei with the release of energy. Fission does not normally occur naturally in nature. This type of reaction takes place when a large unstable isotope, usually Uranium, U-235, comes into contact with high speed neutrons. When they collide, fission takes place and in the process breaks down into smaller isotopes, high speed neutrons and a large amount of energy. These high speed neutrons strike more atoms which causes a fission trigger chain reaction that is self-sustaining. The energy created by fission is then used to heat water to steam form which is used to drive turbine generators and produce electricity. …show more content…
They provide around 10% of the world’s electricity. Within the United States, there are two types of nuclear power plants: boiling water reactors (BWR) and pressurized water reactors (PWR). Boiling water reactors boil the water around the nuclear fuel, heating it into steam and then carry the steam directly to the turbine which dives the generator and produces electricity. The unused steam is recycled back into water and used again in the same process. Pressurized water reactors heat water surrounding the nuclear fuel but keep the water under pressure to prevent it from boiling. This hot water is then pumped to second boiler which creates the steam to drive the turbine generator and produce electricity. Just like the BWR, the unused steam is recycled back into the water for