Examples of Nuclear Energy

Where are we currently using nuclear energy? Here’s presenting a few key examples.

Before understanding what the different forms of nuclear energy are, it is pertinent to understand what nuclear energy actually is. In simple terms, nuclear energy is the energy that is found to be stored inside the nucleus of an atom. This energy cannot be released under any condition, expect for splitting the nucleus. The process of splitting the nuclear is known as ‘nuclear fission’, and the process generates pure energy that can be used for various purposes.

However, misconceptions about nuclear energy have created a fear psychosis about it in our minds. We use terms such as ‘nuclear power’ and ‘atomic bombs’ as if both the terms mean the same thing, or that they use the same technology. When harnessed correctly, nuclear energy has several implications and benefits for human life as well – the process of producing controlled energy in vast amounts may help in the generation of electrical power to run towns and cities, apart from providing energy to ease the living conditions of mankind.

The most basic way to harness nuclear energy is to tap into this energy source to create electric power. This electric power is produced from the process of nuclear fission; heat produced during this process is then used to generate electricity. This technology has the maximum implications for developing countries, which commonly face a power shortfall.

Nuclear energy is also used in the treatment of cancer. What is commonly referred to as ‘radiation therapy’ is actually a process by which nuclear energy is carefully controlled and used to treat malignant cancer cells. However, there is some debate in the scientific community about radiation therapy actually killing off healthy cells as well, thus opening the door for the cancer to advance in a relapse cycle.

Submarines too employ nuclear energy. These submarines are known as ‘nuclear submarines’ which harness nuclear energy off nuclear reactors placed inside them. These submarines are more efficient because they do not run of expensive fossil fuels, and are a good option for conducting recces because they are completely silent.

You would be surprised to know that nuclear energy is also widely used in food processing and packaging, especially in the US. The nuclear energy is used to treat and kill bacteria present in food before it is packed – this increases the longevity of the product and keeps it fresher for longer. However, it may destroy valuable nutrients as well.

Apart from its highly useful purposes, nuclear energy may also be put to extremely deadly uses. This energy is the basis for the technology that creates nuclear weapons. Nuclear weapons are able to cover astonishing distances and are said to be over 100 per cent more potent than atomic bombs. Hence, if the US was to use nuclear bombs when it bombed the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during the Second World War, it is likely that the entire country would have been wiped out in one fell swoop. Nobody would have survived to tell the tale.