Itissimplyelectricitymadefrom
fissioninguraniumandplutonium.
Fission
If a uranium nucleus absorbs a neutron, it can break up and release:
-Energy (Heat)
-More neutrons
-Other radiation
Also Plutonium
SAFETY
Phenomenal Safety Record
Began 1960; 440 plants worldwide; 100 plants in US
ONLY accident public harmed - Chernobyl 1986
- 2005 Study by several UN Agencies (World Health Org., IAEA, --)
- 50 known deaths from radiation
- Study "estimated" eventually 9,000 - 10,000
- "Corrected" study gives 1,000 - 3,000 eventually
Contrast:
90,000 coal miners died "instantly" US alone 1901-2000
250,000 US miners "drawing" black lung compensation
SAFETY Continued
In fact, the nuclear power we have (20% of
US electricity) saves thousands of lives in WI
and elsewhere in US yearly
Coal plants emit particulates
Harvard, ACS, EPA estimate thousands of
premature deaths yearly from them
Nuclear plants emit no particulates
COSTS
The electricity you buy today averages about
1.72 cents/kWhr from nuclear
2.21 cents/kWhr from coal
7.51 cents/kWhr from natural gas
PROLIFERATION
A Diplomatic Problem
I do not know of any case (India?) where a nuclear
power program has significantly assisted in the
development of weapons - the latter came first
US, UK, USSR, China, France
N. Korea, Iran, Israel, India, Pakistan
Easier way to obtain plutonium than n.p.p.
- Simple plant - N. Korea
In closing - MY DREAM:
Nuclear plants in place of coal plants for
electricity
and
battery-driven automobiles (such as General
Motors expects to sell in five years) charged
by nuclear electricity.
Or fuel-cell automobiles with hydrogen
separated by nuclear electricity (unless a
better means evolves).