Nuclear Power has its advantages and disadvantages. However it is a lot safer than most people think. The chances of a meltdown or a radiation leak are extremely small. There are many safety features, which make nuclear power one of the safest electricity sources. And every nuclear power plant is protected with thick layers of steel and concrete. Nuclear power is also very environmentally friendly. It produces hardly any air pollution, and it releases less radiation into the atmosphere than coal-burning power plants.
What is nuclear Power? Nuclear energy was first used in 1956. It is the result of nuclear fission. Nuclear fission is the process in which atoms are split and energy is released. When they split, and the atoms are unstable, they become radioactive. The fission occurs when a radioactive particle hits the nucleus of another atom. When the nucleus of the second atom splits, it gives off heat. This nuclear energy can be used to boil water, and give off steam. This steam can be used to power turbines and electric generators. .
Although a lot of people think nuclear waste is a problem, there are ways that this waste can be safely disposed of. The nuclear power plants have a lot less waste than coal-burning plants and most of it is classed as a low-level of radioactivity. Transportation of waste is also not a problem, because there are only small amounts of waste that need to be transported. They usually transport them in indestructible containers. The production of electricity by nuclear plants is very reliable. It is not affected by oil embargoes or industrial action. .
Some advantages of nuclear energy are; that it provides adequate heat, it efficiently produces large amounts of electricity (about 1000MW of electricity per day.).