Skip to main content
  • Book
  • © 2021

Nuclear Power Explained

Authors:

  • A compact & compelling summary of all aspects of nuclear power
  • Includes dozens of behind-the-scenes images within nuclear facilities
  • Covers controversial topics such as health and safety risks, uranium mining, nuclear proliferation and waste disposal

Part of the book series: Springer Praxis Books (PRAXIS)

Part of the book sub series: Popular Science (POPS)

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 29.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 37.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check for access.

Table of contents (11 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xiv
  2. Part I: Basics of Nuclear Physics and Radioactivity

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 27-27
    2. Nuclear Physics and Its Applications

      • Dirk Eidemüller
      Pages 29-49
    3. Radioactivity – The Physics and Biology

      • Dirk Eidemüller
      Pages 51-76
    4. Types of Radioactive Substances

      • Dirk Eidemüller
      Pages 77-86
  3. Part II: Nuclear Power Plants

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 87-87
    2. How to Operate a Nuclear Reactor

      • Dirk Eidemüller
      Pages 89-103
    3. Reactor Types and Safety

      • Dirk Eidemüller
      Pages 105-138
  4. Part III: Social Conflict Areas of Nuclear Energy

    1. Front Matter

      Pages 155-155
    2. Uranium Mining

      • Dirk Eidemüller
      Pages 157-171
    3. Proliferation

      • Dirk Eidemüller
      Pages 173-193
    4. Radioactive Incidents and Disasters

      • Dirk Eidemüller
      Pages 195-240
    5. Disposal

      • Dirk Eidemüller
      Pages 241-287
  5. Back Matter

    Pages 289-313

About this book

From World War II to the present day, nuclear power has remained a controversial topic in the public eye. In the wake of ongoing debates about energy and the environment, policymakers and laypeople alike are once more asking the questions posed by countless others over the decades: What actually happens in a nuclear power plant? Can we truly trust nuclear energy to be safe and reliable? Where does all that radiation and waste go?

This book explains everything you would want to know about nuclear power in a compelling and accessible way. Split into three parts, it walks readers through the basics of nuclear physics and radioactivity; the history of nuclear power usage, including the most important events and disasters; the science and engineering behind nuclear power plants; the politics and policies of various nations; and finally, the long-term societal impact of such technology, from uranium mining and proliferation to final disposal. 

Featured along the way are dozens of behind-the-scenes, full-color images of nuclear facilities. Written in a nontechnical style with minimal equations, this book will appeal to lay readers, policymakers and professionals looking to acquire a well-rounded view about this complex subject.



Authors and Affiliations

  • Berlin, Germany

    Dirk Eidemüller

About the author

Dr. Dirk Eidemüller is a science journalist and author living in Berlin. He studied physics and philosophy in Darmstadt, Heidelberg, Rome, and Berlin, specializing in nuclear and astroparticle physics. His PhD thesis was on the philosophy of science, on the interactions between the interpretations of modern physics and biology. Previously, Dr. Eidemüller worked at the German Academy of Science and Engineering before transitioning to a career in science journalism. He is joint editor of the magazine "Physik in Unserer Zeit".

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 29.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book USD 37.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access