Chapter 1 NUCLEAR POLLUTION Nuclear pollution is the waste produced when nuclear energy is created But what is nuclear energy And how is it different from other forms of energy Nuclear reactions can help scientists create electricity What metal does a nuclear reaction start with 4 44
Nuclear energy provides electricity to millions of people It is created through nuclear reactions Nuclear reactions start with a radioactive metal called uranium Radioactive substances give off radiation a dangerous and powerful form of energy URANIUM IS A FAIRLY COMMON ELEMENT THERE IS ABOUT FORTY TIMES MORE URANIUM THAN SILVER IN THE WORLD 5
Uranium is mined from the ground Like other metals uranium is made up of tiny particles called atoms Atoms are so small we cannot even see them But scientists have a way to split them Splitting atoms is called fission When the atoms are split a nuclear reaction occurs Nuclear fission causes a chain reaction This reaction releases tiny particles known as free neutrons NUCLEAR FISSION release of energy free neutrons uranium atom neutron particle 6 splitting of atom
The atoms release energy This energy can be used to boil water The boiling water makes steam And the steam powers a machine called a turbine The turbine helps create electricity Workers repair a turbine at a nuclear plant in Japan 7
