Nuclear power is so efficient that it produces 3.7 million times as much power as coal generated power (Reasons for Using Nuclear Power). In other words, if you take the same amount of Uranium-235 and coal, the Uranium-235 will generate 3.7 million times as much power.
So how does nuclear power work? It all begins with Uranium-235. Uranium-235 is used because it is the heaviest natural element, and contains 92 protons. Also, because Uranium-235 is so big, it does not require a lot of energy to to split the atoms(How Nuclear Power Works).
Uranium is placed into the core of nuclear reactors. Neutrons are then sent in to collide with the Uranium atoms, causing them to split. The splitting of these atoms, known as nuclear fission, releases an extreme amount of energy. This energy is then used one of two ways in the United States. Either a pressurized water reactor or a boiling water reactor is used. Nearly two-thirds of nuclear plants in the US use pressurized water reactors (How Nuclear Power Works).
In a boiling water reactor, the energy is used to directly heat up water, allowing it to boil and generate steam. This steam is then sent through a turbine and generator, producing electricity.
In a pressurized water reactor, the water around the core is held under pressure, not allowing it to boil. The heat produced is then transferred outside the plant using a heat exchanger, where it is then allowed to boil. This boiling water then generates steam, powering a turbine and generator, and in turn generating electricity (How Nuclear Power Works). Pressurized water reactors are more commonly used due to the fact that the water boiled is separated from the fission process, preventing it from becoming radioactive.
For every unit of nuclear power produced, 2 units of waste are produced. This leads to the question, where are we going to store all of this radioactive waste? Two techniques are commonly used. First, it can be submerged into a cooling pool, where water is circulated and can store the waste without harming the environment or any person. As these pools fill up, the waste can be transferred to large steel or concrete casks.
Overall, nuclear power is an extremely efficient way to generate an extremely high quantity of power. However, there is radioactive waste produced that is extremely harmful and we have yet to find a way to completely rid of the waste without damaging the environment.
Works Cited:
How Nuclear Power Works. (n.d.). Retrieved April 03, 2017, from http://www.ucsusa.org/nuclear-power/nuclear-power-technology/how-nuclear-power-works#.WOJ47xIrLLE
Reasons for Using Nuclear Power As an Energy Source. (n.d.). Retrieved April 03, 2017, from http://www.nucleartourist.com/basics/reasons1.htm
A very interesting post on the strengths and weaknesses of using nuclear power! JM
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