What is the Meaning & Definition of Nuclear reaction
Since ancient times human beings has needed to seek new forms of energy. Sun, water or fossil fuels are conventional energy sources that meet our needs.
The release of nuclear energy is produced from a small amount of mass. Thus, the relationship between mass loss and its corresponding release of energy is the fundamental aspect of nuclear power.
Nuclear reactions occur in the universe spontaneously (e.g., in the transformation of the stars) and others are produced by the intervention of the human being. In any case, this is possible to understand it by the knowledge of the conservation of matter and the interaction between mass and energy. In nuclear reactions, atoms involved are transformed (a nitrogen atom in another of oxygen, for example)
The different types of nuclear reactions have very different applications. A major is the generation of electric power, as well as various applications in medicine, the quality of certain products, mining or in the dating of art works.
Throughout history there have been nuclear accidents with a large devastating (radioactive stores, in the uncontrolled discharge of nuclear waste or in the transport of radioactive material). The consequences of a nuclear reaction are diverse: destruction of the environment, risks to health and, especially, the deaths of thousands of people. These circumstances have created a social debate about the suitability of this source of energy and of nuclear reactors that generate it.
The release of nuclear energy is produced from a small amount of mass. Thus, the relationship between mass loss and its corresponding release of energy is the fundamental aspect of nuclear power.
Structure of the atom
For nuclear energy originates it is necessary to understand the structure of an atom. The simplest atom that exists is hydrogen, which consists of a particle with a negative charge called a particle with a positive charge known as proton and electron. Electrons revolve around the nucleus of an atom at a high speed. On the basis of this idea should take into account that in nature certain minerals are radioactive deposits (e.g., uranium or Radium).Energy of an atom extraction processes
In this way, there are different processes to extract the energy that is stored within an atom: radioactivity, fission and fusion. Through these processes, it is possible to alter the nucleus of atoms, causing a release of particles and a type of energy. If the nuclei are subdivided or fragmented nuclear fission occurs and if the nuclei come together, is called nuclear fusion.Nuclear reactions occur in the universe spontaneously (e.g., in the transformation of the stars) and others are produced by the intervention of the human being. In any case, this is possible to understand it by the knowledge of the conservation of matter and the interaction between mass and energy. In nuclear reactions, atoms involved are transformed (a nitrogen atom in another of oxygen, for example)
The different types of nuclear reactions have very different applications. A major is the generation of electric power, as well as various applications in medicine, the quality of certain products, mining or in the dating of art works.
The other side of the nuclear reaction
Although practical applications of various nuclear reactions are valued positively, this type of energy is not without dangers. First, nuclear weapons have shown their destructive capacity and pose a clear threat. On the other hand, nuclear reactors have a potential risk, stored nuclear fuel is armoured but there is always a possibility that the safety measures are not effective and there is a nuclear catastrophe.Throughout history there have been nuclear accidents with a large devastating (radioactive stores, in the uncontrolled discharge of nuclear waste or in the transport of radioactive material). The consequences of a nuclear reaction are diverse: destruction of the environment, risks to health and, especially, the deaths of thousands of people. These circumstances have created a social debate about the suitability of this source of energy and of nuclear reactors that generate it.