This article explains the difference between a nuclear explosion and nuclear power generation, emphasizes that it is essentially impossible for a nuclear explosion to occur at a nuclear power plant, and dispels misconceptions about the safety of nuclear power generation.
It’s been 13 years since the Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster. Despite this, we still hear a lot about it in the news these days. What I notice about many of these news stories is that they don’t distinguish between “nuclear explosion” and “nuclear power generation”, and furthermore, you can see the worried faces of people who are afraid of a nuclear explosion from the nuclear power plants around us. In this article, I’ll explain how nuclear power generation, which generates electricity around us, is different from a nuclear explosion.
The basic principle of harnessing nuclear energy is as follows. When a neutron approaches and collides with the nucleus of a heavy element with a large atomic number, such as uranium (U), it destabilizes the nucleus and causes a fission reaction. As the nucleus fission, it releases heat along with two to three additional neutrons. These additional neutrons then collide with neighboring uranium nuclei, causing the same reaction, and a chain reaction of fission occurs. The vast amount of heat, or energy, generated in this process is what we call nuclear energy.
The distinction between a nuclear explosion and nuclear power generation is whether the energy released can be controlled or not. Nuclear explosions are used for military purposes, while nuclear power generation is about controlling the speed of the chain reaction so that the right amount of energy is released.
There are two main types of uranium in nature, U-235 and U-238, which account for 0.7% and 99.3%, respectively. The uranium that absorbs neutrons and causes fission is U-235. This is why nuclear explosions do not occur spontaneously in nature. Therefore, the energy produced can be controlled by enriching the U-235, which causes fission. In the case of nuclear bombs, U-235 is enriched to over 90% purity so that once the reaction takes place, a huge amount of energy is released at once without any interference. On the other hand, the nuclear fuel we use in nuclear power plants to generate electricity is enriched to only 3-5% U-235. It’s also equipped with safety features that control the number of neutrons that are released during the reaction. This means that the terrifying mushroom clouds of nuclear explosions at the nuclear power plants around us are essentially impossible.
The absence of a nuclear explosion doesn’t take away the anxiety of a nuclear power plant accident. But what this article is trying to say is that, at the very least, the nuclear bombs dropped on Japan in World War II and the nuclear power plants that generate electricity around us are fundamentally different concepts. Let’s use our intellect to evaluate nuclear power as a source of energy for humanity, but let’s not make the mistake of assuming that it leads to nuclear explosions.
In recent years, the safety and necessity of nuclear power has been debated around the world. In particular, the issue of climate change and carbon emissions has brought nuclear power back into the spotlight. Nuclear power has been touted as a green energy source that can replace fossil fuels. This is because nuclear power produces very little carbon dioxide in the process of generating electricity.
However, there are still concerns about the safety of nuclear power. Major accidents such as the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster and the Chernobyl disaster illustrate the dangers of nuclear power. These accidents have had a devastating impact on humanity and the environment, and the aftermath is still being felt. Therefore, advocates of expanding nuclear power emphasize the need for greater safety.
The future of nuclear power depends on technological advances and safety. In recent years, new reactors have been developed that are safer and more efficient than existing reactors. Spent nuclear fuel disposal is also a major challenge, and research is underway to address this issue.
In conclusion, nuclear power is an important source of energy that can help solve the problems of climate change and carbon emissions, but it is essential to ensure its safety, which requires continuous technological development and strict safety management. It is important that future energy policies are based on a balanced consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power.
