UPSC » UPSC CSE Study Materials » Physics » An Idea On Advantages Of Nuclear Fission

An Idea On Advantages Of Nuclear Fission

Are you willing to understand the advantages of nuclear fission? Then this article is for you. Learn about more such concepts like the meaning of fission and fusion, examples of fission and fusion, etc.

The process of nuclear fission takes place with the help of two procedures. Firstly, nuclear fission either occurs through a process called radioactive decay. Secondly, nuclear fission can be formed with the help of nuclear energy. The benefits of nuclear fission were discovered by Otto Hahn as well as Fritz Strassman in 1938. Mentioned below are some of the advantages of nuclear fission :

Nuclear fission can help in getting resources having cheap energy for Earth 

Over 10% of the electricity consumption of the plant is provided through nuclear fission. To create a modern lifestyle, over 30 countries utilize this kind of energy. This kind of energy results in the required production of power. Nuclear fission results are the cheapest source of energy among all the types of energy. Nuclear fission energy permits people to access their required resources. 

Nuclear fission consists of fewer operational costs

A working nuclear plant results in fewer operational costs. Nuclear fission is over a full cent cheaper per kilowatt-hour in comparison to natural gas as well as coal. 

Nuclear fission provides an energy solution of low-emission

There are multiple types of conventional power generation facilities that result in the combustion of fossil fuels. This combustion is harmful to the environment as it causes the release of particles into the air. However, nuclear fission leads to the elimination of such dangers. Carbon dioxide is not released in the procedure of nuclear fission. 

Nuclear fission can be relied upon

Nuclear fission proves to be a reliable source of energy. Currently, nuclear fission plants lead to the production of power for 30-35 years. Nuclear fission is known to run for a long period without any interruption, irrespective of the weather situations. 

Nuclear fission can work for extended periods 

Controlled nuclear fission can lead to the production of energy for 24-36 months. On the other hand, properly controlled wood heating is known to be 60% efficient, and for coal heating, it is around 70-90%. Nuclear energy has proved to be more efficient than these resources 8000 times. 

What are fission and fusion? 

Physical as well as chemical procedures are known to produce energy. Two different procedures are known to produce huge amounts of energy through atoms. Those procedures are fission and fusion. 

Fission

The process of fission takes place in the case of neutron bangs into a larger atom. This forces the neutron to excite and get divided into two smaller atoms. These are also called fission products. Along with this, extra neutrons are also released that are responsible for starting a chain reaction. 

When every atom gets divided, a huge amount of energy is liberated. Most commonly, uranium, as well as plutonium, is utilized in nuclear power reactors in fission reactions. This is because uranium and plutonium can be controlled easily. 

The energy that is liberated by fission within these reactors tends to heat water into steam. Then, carbon-free electricity is produced with the help of steam that is utilized to spin a turbine. 

Fusion

The process of fusion takes place when two atoms bang into each other to create an atom that is heavier in size. For example, When two hydrogen atoms fuse to lead to the formation of one helium atom. 

This is known as a similar procedure that provides power to the sun and makes energy in large amounts. The energy created with this procedure is numerous times larger than fission. 

Scientists have studied fusion reactions. However, it has been tough to sustain it for a long time. The major reason behind this is the huge amount of pressure as well as the temperature that is required to connect the nuclei at the same time. 

Conclusion

The process of nuclear fission takes place with the help of two procedures. Firstly, nuclear fission either occurs through a process called radioactive decay. Secondly, nuclear fission can be formed with the help of nuclear energy. Some of the advantages of nuclear fission include less operational costs, availability of cheap energy resources, reliability, low-emission energy solution, etc. 

Physical as well as chemical procedures are known to produce energy. Two different procedures are known to produce huge amounts of energy through atoms. Those procedures are fission and fusion. The process of fission takes place in the case of neutron bangs into a larger atom. This forces the neutron to excite and get divided into two smaller atoms. These are also called fission products. The process of fusion takes place when two atoms bang into each other to create an atom that is heavier in size.

faq

Frequently asked questions

Get answers to the most common queries related to the UPSC Examination Preparation.

What do you mean by fission? Give an example.

Ans. The process of fission is defined as the act of separating into two or more two parts. For example, individuals...Read full

What are different State types of fission?

Ans. The process of fission is categorized into two categories, namely binary fission as well as multiple fission. ...Read full

Which concept is more powerful? Fusion or fission?

Ans. The process of fusion tends to liberate numerous times the energy produced by fission. Therefore, fusion is con...Read full