Nuclear Energy - 9781420508741

The Nuclear Energy Institute states that a single uranium fuel pellet the size of pencil eraser contains the same amount of energy as 17,000 cubic feet of natural gas, 1,780 pounds of coal, or 149 gallons of oil. The NEI also cites the efficiency of the nuclear energy process since there are no emissions of carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, or sulfur dioxide. Yet, controversy surrounds the disposal of byproducts and radiation that are emitted as a result of the fission process. This illuminating book provides an introduction to the use of nuclear energy as a power source. It takes a broad view of nuclear power in the world's energy future. Chapters describe how nuclear power was discovered and how it works; the benefits of using nuclear energy, especially as an alternative to fossil fuels; the drawbacks of nuclear waste; and the safety concerns involved in operating a nuclear power plant. The book also looks at the latest developments in nuclear power and how these breakthroughs might affect future decisions about its use in the world.