Definition of Nuclear Reaction

Since ancient times, human beings have needed to seek new ways of Energy. The sun, the water or the fossil fuels They are Energy sources conventional that allow us to meet our needs.

The release of nuclear energy It is produced from a small amount of dough. Thus, the relationship between the loss of mass and its corresponding release of energy is the fundamental aspect of nuclear energy.

Structure of the atom

In order for nuclear energy to originate, it is necessary to understand the structure of an atom. The simplest atom that exists is hydrogen, which consists of a negatively charged particle called an electron and a positively charged particle known as a proton. Electrons revolve around the nucleus of an atom at a large velocity. Starting from this idea, it must be taken into account that in nature certain minerals have radioactive deposits (for example, uranium or radium).

Processes of extracting energy from an atom

In this way, there are different processes to extract the energy that is stored within an atom: radioactivity, fission and fusion. Through these processes it is possible to alter the nucleus of atoms, which produces a release of particles and a type of energy. If the nuclei are subdivided or fragmented, nuclear fission occurs and if the nuclei come together, it is called nuclear fusion.

Nuclear reactions occur spontaneously in the universe (for example, in the transformation of stars) and others are produced by the intervention of human beings. In any case, this can be understood by the knowledge of the conservation of matter and the interaction between mass and energy. In nuclear reactions, the atoms involved are transformed (a nitrogen atom into an oxygen atom, for example)

The different forms of nuclear reactions have very diverse applications. One of the main ones is the generation of electric power, as well as diverse applications in medicine, in the quality of certain products, in mining or in the dating of works of art.

The other side of the nuclear reaction

Although the practical applications of the different nuclear reactions are valued positively, this type of energy is not without its dangers. First, nuclear weapons have demonstrated their destructive capacity and represent an obvious threat. On the other hand, nuclear reactors incorporate a potential risk, since the fuel Stored nuclear power is shielded but there is always a chance that safety are ineffective and a nuclear catastrophe occurs.

Throughout history there have been nuclear accidents with a great devastating effect (in warehouses radioactive, in the uncontrolled dumping of nuclear waste or in the transport of material radioactive). The consequences of a nuclear reaction are diverse: destruction of the environment, health risks and, especially, the death of thousands of people. These circumstances have created a social debate about the convenience of this source of energy and the nuclear reactors that generate it.