U Th + Energy Natural “spall-off” Masses are not quite equal on both sides. The difference is ENERGY. e = mc 2 massenergy Natural radioactive elements constantly break down and release energy – all around us. Fission-induced processes occur in a reactor. Controlled, imposed. From Hinrichs, 1992, Energy. Nuclear Reactions Heavy hydrogen Forms of Radiation

Meaning of Half-Life of a Radioactive Element Slow rate of decay long half-life Fast rate of decay short half-life The longer the half-life of a radioactive element, the longer we have to worry about the radiation it is emitting.

From Hinrichs, 1992, Energy. Natural disintegration vs. induced fission. Why bother with fission? Direction in which to gain energy. Why Energy is Released from Fission: Our Gain Fission: Break apart into smaller pieces Fusion: join to form larger pieces

How We Get “Nuclear Energy” + Energy Bring in the neutrons Get a chain reaction going From Hinrichs, 1992, Energy. 235 U vs. 238 U

Why Anyone Would Want to Consider Nuclear Energy 35 tons of uranium dioxide (UO 2 ) fuel produces 1000 MWe electricity. This can be done with 1 nuclear fuel shipment per year compared to 1 trainload of coal per day in a power plant. From Hinrichs, 1992, Energy.

Another heat exchanger; heated water goes into river, etc.

Concept of “passive safety”

Start here The Issue of Nuclear Waste

RADON ENTERS HOMES THROUGH: Cracks in solid floors; soil Construction joints Cracks in walls Gaps in suspended floors Gaps around service pipes Cavities inside walls The water supply CVS4, Fig. 4.C Radon gas forms in soil through radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium and thorium Radon Problems and Mitigation A suction-based removal system can be installed to vent radon before it enters a home’s basement.

Text, Fig Sources of Uranium in the US Chemical affinity of uranium for certain geologic environments and certain other elements causes its selective enrichment. x

Concerns about Nuclear Power Plant Safety Three Mile Island, near Harrisburg, PA, 1979: Meltdown, but hardly any release of radioactivity Huge loss in public confidence, however Chernobyl, Ukraine, 1986 (Box 6.2, Fig. 6.9): Meltdown. 10% of core’s material lofted into atmosphere Terrible impact all over Europe and beyond (see Fig. 6.9 map) Fukushima, Japan (March, 2011): Earthquake hit; reactors shut down Tsunami interrupted electrical power and thus, cooling; caused reactors to overheat 3 reactors ultimately underwent meltdown

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Disaster in Japan in March, 2011 Boiling water reactors Earthquake hit; reactors shut down Tsunami interrupted electricity for cooling; caused reactors to overheat 3 reactors ultimately underwent meltdown

Concerns about Radiation See opinion pieces: 2011 Scientific American, 2012 Wall Street Journal

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Steps in the Radioactive Decay of Uranium to Lead From Uranium Decay Series Radon