The five pillars of nuclear science are carbon-free energy, global leadership, transformative healthcare, innovation and technology, and space exploration. These topics were recently considered during Nuclear Science Week (held from 16 to 20 October 2023).
The week-long celebration, now in its 14th year, was held in collaboration with international, national, and local organizations, including academic institutions, scientific societies, government agencies, and industry partners. Described as “an international annual festival to raise awareness and understanding of nuclear science’s applications,” Nuclear Science Week includes “a wide variety of activities and events held around the world to showcase the many applications of nuclear science.” event was included. Interactive exhibits, workshops, documentary film screenings, demonstrations, and more. Participants had the opportunity to interact with renowned experts, learn about the latest advances in nuclear technology, and explore the impact of nuclear science on its many applications. ”
Experiments using nitrogen.
(Jan Wagner)
“Nuclear Science Week brings together scientists, educators, industry professionals, and the general public to promote a deeper understanding and appreciation of nuclear science and its contributions to various fields.” National Nuclear Science Week said Jennifer Hayden, museum president and CEO. Career: Chair of the NSW International Steering Committee. “Nuclear Science Week is dedicated to promoting education and inspiring the next generation of scientists. As part of the program, outreach activities are organized in collaboration with local schools to engage students in We provided hands-on experiments, demonstrations, and career exploration opportunities. We brought together experts, professionals, and the public to celebrate the remarkable achievements of nuclear science and its potential to shape our future. I’m excited,” Hayden concluded.
Let’s do an experiment using electricity.
(Jan Wagner)
An expo filled with informative exhibits and open to the public was held at the Fleet Science Center in San Diego’s Balboa Park.
The General Atomics exhibit states, “Nuclear science is the study of the atomic nucleus, one of the smallest things we know. However, even if it is one hundred thousandth of an atom, this tiny nucleus… Nuclear science has a huge impact on our world. Nuclear science has provided cancer cures, power for space missions, smoke detectors, a better food supply, and one of the cleanest and most environmentally friendly ways to generate electricity. It brings us great things.”
Nuclear fission splits a large atom into two or more smaller atoms. Nuclear fusion is the opposite reaction, where two or more lighter atoms fuse into one larger atom. “Nuclear fusion can produce four times more energy than nuclear fission.”
Decommissioning brochure
(Jan Wagner)
“Nuclear fission releases energy in the form of heat.” Although this can occur naturally, “the fission we encounter in the modern world is usually a nuclear reaction that is intentionally caused by humans.” “It provides about 10% of the world’s electricity, powers naval ships around the world, and has powered space missions.The energy released by nuclear fission is far superior to the chemical energy released by combustion. 1 million times, so a small amount of nuclear fuel (usually uranium) produces an enormous amount of heat.” A nuclear power plant’s fission reactor “generates steam, which turns a turbine to generate electricity.”
Several exhibits used Geiger counters to detect safe levels of radiation in common household items.
Elsewhere, we are working on the decommissioning of Southern California’s San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant (“a power plant that produced 2,200 megawatts of clean energy to power 1.4 million homes”) and the We learned about “ongoing efforts to dismantle safely.” How do you tear down a structure made of cement and rebar with 3- to 4-foot walls?” His two-hour walking tour of the facility explores “things you can usually only see in photos.” Reservations are available to the public.
A scale model of a nuclear reactor showing fuel rods and pellets.
(Jan Wagner)
An attractive and highly detailed scale model showed the fuel rods and fuel pellets from the reactor.
“Nuclear power, when combined with other forms of clean energy, provides the most powerful alternative to fossil fuels.” Nuclear fission is “the largest source of ultra-low carbon electricity in North America and Europe,” but what about the waste? Is it? “If a human’s lifetime’s energy supply was provided by nuclear fission reactors, the waste would fit in a soda can. Thanks to the 4 billion (metric tons) of uranium dissolved in the oceans, we would have 200 million years We have enough nuclear fuel for this period.”
For more information about Nuclear Science Week, visit nuclearscienceweek.org.
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Copyright © 2023 by Jan Wagner – AutoMatters & More #813
