Nuclear Energy
Nuclear energy is the energy produce when one heavy nucleus splits into two light nuclei or two light nuclei fuse into one heavy nucleus producing an enormous amount of energy in the form of heat and light.
Nuclear reactions are of two types
- Nuclear Fission
- Nuclear Fusion
Nuclear Fission- The process in which one heavy nucleus (e.g. uranium, polonium) splits into two light nuclei producing a large amount of energy and neutrons along with it.
Nuclear Fusion- The process in which two light nuclei fuse into one heavy nucleus at a very high temperature and pressure, producing a large amount of energy.
In both reactions, the origin of energy is a loss in mass, and the sum of the products is less than the sum of the products. The loss in mass is converted into energy according to Einstein’s mass-energy equation, E=mc2.
Though nuclear reactions produce large amounts of energy, they are uncontrolled and can cause explosions.
But we humans, till now can only control the fission reaction. Inside the nuclear reactor, a fission reaction occurs under controlled conditions which produces heat which is used to produce steam to rotate the turbine to produce electricity.
Non-Conventional Sources of Energy
Can you picture driving a car that is powered by water? Or one that is powered by the Sun? The fact is that you may have to become used to such outlandish thoughts. Conventional fuels are increasingly running out, while non-conventional energy sources are becoming our future. And, in order to run them, let us study more about non-conventional energy sources.
Energy is a critical component of the economic infrastructure, as it is the primary input required to support economic growth. Economic development and energy usage have a close relationship. The greater a country’s per capita energy usage, the more developed it is, and vice versa. Human civilization is reliant on a variety of energy sources. In this article, we will discuss the non-conventional sources of energy and their usage, advantages, and disadvantages. Before, that let’s first understand what is energy.
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