zz Evaluate the global energy crisis. Distinguish between nuclear fission and fusion.
Our world is facing a shortage in energy supply. This is known as an energy crisis. A growing global population and new technology mean that we rely on electricity even more.
Energy and impacts
Research and discuss some of the social and economic effects of societyʼs growing energy demands.
Nuclear Power
One alternative source of energy is nuclear power. Nuclear power has a number of advantages over fossil fuels and renewable sources: zz
It does not add to climate change or air pollution. zz
Nuclear power sources last for a very long time and contain a huge amount of nuclear energy. They currently produce far more energy than any renewable sources or fossil fuels.
z z
The quantity of waste generated from nuclear power plants is small. However, the disposal of this small quantity of waste causes concerns.
Nuclear power comes from releasing the energy that binds particles together in the nucleus of an atom. There are two ways of producing energy from the nucleus:
1. Nuclear fission 2. Nuclear fusion.
Learn more about isotopes in Chemical World 10.3
Nuclear Fission A fuel source for nuclear power is an isotope of the element uranium.
When the large nucleus of the uranium atom is bombarded with neutrons, it splits into two almost equal parts. This splitting is called fission. Smaller nuclei
