As energy resources, particularly fossil fuels, become strained, nuclear energy must be considered as an alternative. This book presents an objective view of nuclear energy as an important source for future energy needs. It discusses various types of reactors, the nuclear fuel cycle, the problem of nuclear waste disposal, reactor accidents, safety and new types of reactors that are being considered, and the cost of electricity from nuclear power. This new edition has been brought up to date throughout, with new material, data, figures, and tables.
Table of Contents
The Motivation for Nuclear Energy
Nuclear Power Development
Radioactivity and Radiation Exposures
Effects of Radiation Exposures
Neutron Reactions
Nuclear Fission
Chain Reactions and Nuclear Reactors
Types of Nuclear Reactors
Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Nuclear Waste Disposal: Amounts of Waste
Storage and Disposal of Nuclear Wastes
US Waste Disposal Plans and the Yucca Mountain Repository
Policy Issues in Nuclear Waste Disposal
Nuclear Reactor Safety
Nuclear Reactor Accidents
Future Nuclear Reactors
Nuclear Bombs, Nuclear Energy, and Terrorism
Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons
Costs of Electricity
The Prospects for Nuclear Energy.
