Nuclear Energy: World Perspectives

Abstract

Nuclear energy is the technical and economic label to identify a set of activi­ties that transform the energy contained in the atomic nucleus into a useful type of energy, particularly electricity. The potential energy of the inner com­ponents of the atomic nucleus is very large, and it conveys nuclear radiation and nuclear reactions. The main reaction exploited so far is fission, which is usually induced by a free neutron. In one fission, about 0.1 per cent of the reacting mass disappears, and it is converted into heat. This is a much higher value than the corresponding level of chemical reactions. In fact, it is about 1 million times higher. This is why nuclear energy is so powerful, but it is also a cause for concern. To minimize the risks, nuclear reactors are designed and operated so that temperature and pressure values do not exceed the allowed levels.