Nuclear power
Nuclear energy generates around 15 per cent of the UK's electricity. A huge amount of energy can be produced through the nuclear process using a relatively small amount of A very heavy metal that is naturally radioactive and is common in the Earth's crust.. The energy is produced as heat through the The splitting of a large nucleus to produce two smaller ones. Two or three neutrons are also released in the process. The energy from the neutrons powers a nuclear reactor. process.
The smallest part of an element that can exist. are split, and this energy is used to convert water into super-heated When water boils it forms a visible mist of water droplets called steam.. This spins Revolving machine with blades that are turned by wind, water or steam. Turbines in a power station turn the generators. connected to electrical Device that converts kinetic energy into electrical energy. to produce electricity.
There are advantages and disadvantages to generating electricity using nuclear power.
| Advantages of nuclear | Disadvantages of nuclear |
| No harmful gases are released in the process | Nuclear power stations have to close after around 40 years of use when the uranium becomes less efficient at heating the water |
| More efficient than fossil fuels | Disposal of uranium is difficult and costly. |
| Advantages of nuclear | No harmful gases are released in the process |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages of nuclear | Nuclear power stations have to close after around 40 years of use when the uranium becomes less efficient at heating the water |
| Advantages of nuclear | More efficient than fossil fuels |
|---|---|
| Disadvantages of nuclear | Disposal of uranium is difficult and costly. |