Nuclear Energy
Mr. Skirbst
Oyster Creek (NJ):
America’s oldest
nuclear reactor
Built by JCP&L
(1969)
Nuclear Energy
Energy contained within the
nucleus of an atom
Nuclear Energy
Energy contained within the
nucleus of an atom
Nucleus – center of atom
containing proton and neutron
Nuclear Energy
Energy contained within the
nucleus of an atom
Nucleus – center of atom
containing proton and neutron
Albert Einstein (1905) predicted
great power from nucleus
1. Nuclear Fission
Splitting atomic nuclei into smaller
parts – releasing energy
Chain reaction
Nuclear fission causes other nuclei
to undergo fission as well
(Domino Effect)
Nuclear Power Plant
Facility that produces & controls
fission reactions to harness energy
Nuclear Power Plant
Facility that produces & controls
fission reactions to harness energy
Reaction releases heat energy used
to heat water to steam to turn a
turbine to generate electricity
Nuclear Power Plant
Nuclear  Heat  Mechanical  Electrical
Problems with Fission
1. Radiation Leaks
Release of α & β particles & γ rays
Problems with Fission
2. Meltdowns
Nuclear fuel exceeds melting point
Three Mile Island (1979), Chernobyl (1986)
Fukushima Meltdown
Nuclear Fusion
Combining of two atomic nuclei
to produce one, larger nucleus
and a release of energy
Nuclear Fusion
Combining of two atomic nuclei
to produce one, larger nucleus
and a release of energy
Produces more energy than
fission (ex. Sun)
Detecting Radioactivity
1. Electroscope
Detecting Radioactivity
1. Electroscope
2. Geiger Counter
Detecting Radioactivity
1. Electroscope
2. Geiger Counter
3. Cloud Chamber
Detecting Radioactivity
1. Electroscope
2. Geiger Counter
3. Cloud Chamber
4. Bubble Chamber
Utilizing Radioactivity
1. Diagnosing Disease
(PET Scans)
Utilizing Radioactivity
1. Diagnosing Disease
2. Cancer Therapy
(Gamma Knife)
Utilizing Radioactivity
1. Diagnosing Disease
2. Cancer Therapy
3. Dating Objects
Utilizing Radioactivity
1. Diagnosing Disease
2. Cancer Therapy
3. Dating Objects
4. Detecting Leaks
Potential Dangers
1. Causes disease
2. Causes death
Sources of Radiation