Archive:000/Nuclear fission: Difference between revisions
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==Basic physics== | ==Basic physics== | ||
{{ | A nuclear reaction is far more [[energy]]-dense than a chemical reaction. Whereas combustion of [[fossil fuels]] involves splitting ''molecules'', nuclear fission involves splitting ''atoms''. This requires a ''fissionable'' material, such as uranium (which has large unstable atoms that split easily). | ||
<!-- TODO: elaborate more: | |||
* start from the beginning about how all matter is made of atoms which are sometimes arranged into molecules | |||
* define radioactivity (unstable atoms which spontaneously split and release alpha/beta/gamma rays; explain what those are too) | |||
* explain how reactors speed up the radioactive decay and control the rate of it | |||
* talk about isotopes and which ones are fissile vs fertile | |||
* compare fission with fusion, show the periodic table, point to which elements are suited for which. | |||
--> | |||
See [//wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_fission Wikipedia] for a much more detailed explanation of the physics. | |||
==Role in ending climate change== | |||
[[Conventional nuclear power]] can't scale up enough to replace [[fossil fuels]], because it relies on uranium-235 which is too scarce. [[Breeder reactors]] could potentially be a solution to this problem, by making use of far-more-abundant materials such as uranium-238 and [[thorium]]. The technology for this is not quite ready yet. {{en}} <!-- TALK: maybe change this to mention how slow the breeding time is, and why that limits the immediate ability to replace fossil fuels --> | |||
[[Category:Energy sources]] | |||
Revision as of 22:36, 30 July 2023
Types
- Conventional nuclear power - used by all reactors today
- Breeder reactors - not operational yet
Basic physics
A nuclear reaction is far more energy-dense than a chemical reaction. Whereas combustion of fossil fuels involves splitting molecules, nuclear fission involves splitting atoms. This requires a fissionable material, such as uranium (which has large unstable atoms that split easily).
See Wikipedia for a much more detailed explanation of the physics.
Role in ending climate change
Conventional nuclear power can't scale up enough to replace fossil fuels, because it relies on uranium-235 which is too scarce. Breeder reactors could potentially be a solution to this problem, by making use of far-more-abundant materials such as uranium-238 and thorium. The technology for this is not quite ready yet. [ELABORATION needed]