Advantages and disadvantages of Nuclear Energy with its Applications UGC NET
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Advantages and disadvantages of nuclear energy with its applications UGC NET
Nuclear energy is the energy obtained from an atom’s nucleus. Nuclear power plants use this energy to produce electricity through two types of atomic reaction, i.e., nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. Through the process of nuclear fission, energy is released from the atom. The place where nuclear fission takes place for generating electricity is a called nuclear power plant.
Advantages of Nuclear Energy
The advantages of nuclear energy are as mentioned below:
1). Nuclear energy produces large amount of energy and carbon free electricity.
2). It is a clean source of energy which does not release any greenhouse gases.
3). Nuclear energy does not cause pollution to the environment. It is one of the cleanest sources of energy.
4). Nuclear power is affordable and cheaper compared to coal and natural gas.
5). Nuclear power can be a national security and prevent attacks for a country.
6). Nuclear power plants covert fuel energy into electricity by more than 60% which is higherthan other sources of energy.
7). Nuclear energy is also useful for medical purposes to treat cancer by destroying cancer cells.
8). Nuclear energy is used in industries for heating purposes such as the production of ceramics and plastics.
9). The nuclear industry provides job opportunities which helps to raise the country’s economy.
10). Nuclear power is a reliable and highly efficient source of energy with high power output.
Disadvantages of Nuclear Energy
The disadvantages of nuclear energy include the following:
1). The initial cost of setting up nuclear power plants is expensive.
2). A lot of radioactive can be resulted from nuclear power plants which is dangerous for the environment.
3). The maintenance and operation of a nuclear power plant is very high and requires skilled labourers.
4). Nuclear power plant is hazardous for human health and nuclear accidents can cause serious injuries or death of humans.
5). Malfunction of a nuclear power plant results in the huge disaster of the whole nation.
6). The materials used for the generation of nuclear energy can get exhausted.
7). Nuclear power plants are not completely safe and are risky for both the environment and human life.
8). Nuclear energy are also used for making nuclear weapons which can lead to more chances of a war.
9). Building of a nuclear power plant takes up a lot of amount of the country’s money.
10). The workers of a nuclear power plant are more exposed to the dangers caused by nuclear energy and can be affected with serious health diseases.
Applications of Nuclear Energy
1). Nuclear energy produces a high proportion of the world’s carbon free electricity. It makes up for 60% of the world’s emission free electricity.
2). Nuclear energy is used for medical procedures as radioisotopes. By using radioactive materials, doctors are able to locate tumour, treat cancer and reduce pain, and other several illnesses.
3). Radioisotopes are also used in criminal investigations by helping to identify some physical evidence. They help to track down chemicals in items used in causing the crime such as glass, poison, gun, gunpowder, etc.
