Nuclear explosion and nuclear power generation use the same principle, but they are completely different concepts. Since the Fukushima accident, the safety and necessity of nuclear power have been re-examined.
It has been 14 years since the Fukushima accident. However, even today, when we look at the news, we often come across a lot of content related to it. What we can feel from many people who come across such news is that they do not distinguish between “nuclear explosion” and “nuclear power generation,” and furthermore, we can see worried faces wondering whether a nuclear explosion will occur from the nuclear power plants around us. Therefore, in this article, I would like to explain how nuclear power generation, which generates electricity around us, is different from nuclear explosion.
First, the basic principle of using atomic energy is as follows. When a neutron approaches and collides with the nucleus of a heavy element with a large atomic number, such as uranium (U), the nucleus becomes unstable and a fission reaction occurs. When a fission occurs, the nucleus releases heat along with two or three additional neutrons. The additional neutrons then collide with the surrounding uranium atoms, causing the same reaction, and the fission of the nuclei occurs in a chain reaction. The enormous amount of heat, or energy, produced in this process is what we commonly refer to as nuclear energy.
The criterion for distinguishing between nuclear explosions and nuclear power generation is whether or not the energy released can be controlled. “Nuclear explosions” are used for military purposes by using the vast amount of thermal energy that is released without being controlled, while “nuclear power generation” is the use of nuclear energy by controlling the speed of the chain reaction to produce an appropriate amount of energy.
So how do we control this energy? There are two types of uranium in nature: U-235 and U-238, which make up 0.7% and 99.3%, respectively. The uranium that absorbs neutrons and causes nuclear fission is U-235. Therefore, a nuclear explosion does not occur spontaneously in nature. Therefore, in terms of energy control, the energy generated can be controlled depending on the level of enrichment of U-235, which causes nuclear fission. In the case of an atomic bomb, U-235 is enriched to a purity of 90% or higher, and once a reaction occurs, a huge amount of energy is released at once without any hindrance. On the other hand, the nuclear fuel used in nuclear power plants to generate electricity is enriched to only 3-5% U-235. In addition, safety devices are in place to control the number of neutrons emitted when the reaction occurs. Therefore, the terrifying nuclear explosion that causes mushroom clouds to rise from nuclear power plants all around us cannot happen in the first place.
Even if a nuclear explosion does not occur, the fear of nuclear power plant accidents will not disappear. However, what this article is trying to say is that nuclear power generation from the atomic bombs dropped on Japan during World War II and nuclear power generation from the nuclear power plants that supply electricity around us are fundamentally different concepts. We must evaluate nuclear power generation, which is an energy source for mankind, based on a cool and rational intellect, but we must not make the mistake of thinking that this will lead to a nuclear explosion.
In recent years, there has been much discussion around the world about the safety and necessity of nuclear power generation. In particular, nuclear power generation is being re-examined due to climate change and carbon emissions. Nuclear power generation is attracting attention as an environmentally friendly energy source that can replace fossil fuels. This is because nuclear power generation emits almost no carbon dioxide during the power generation process.
However, there are still concerns about the safety of nuclear power generation. Major accidents such as the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident and the Chernobyl accident are good examples of the dangers of nuclear power generation. These accidents have caused tremendous damage to humanity and the environment, and the effects are still being felt. Therefore, those who advocate the expansion of nuclear power generation emphasize the need to further strengthen safety.
The future of nuclear power depends on technological progress and ensuring safety. Recently, new reactors have been developed that are safer and more efficient than existing reactors. In addition, the problem of processing spent nuclear fuel is one of the important tasks, and research is being actively conducted to solve it.
In conclusion, nuclear power is one of the important energy sources that can solve the problems of climate change and carbon emissions. However, it is essential to ensure its safety, which requires continuous technological development and thorough safety management. It is important to establish future energy policies by balancing the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power.
