Running head: NUCLEAR POWER 1

Nuclear Energy Alex Washington SCI207 Dependence of Man on the Environment Instructor: Christopher Wessinger December 10, 2012

NUCLEAR POWER 2

All energy sources have drawbacks. Even the clean hydropower option has negative ramifications. Weigh those against the possible consequences of developing nuclear power, a controversial alternative to fossil fuels. Discuss the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster as well as the 20th century Chernobyl nuclear meltdown in drawing conclusions about risk versus reward of nuclear energy use. During the early times of Nuclear Power the world has associated this theory with the act of war. Since then there have been many theorists and scientists that have boggled the idea that this could be a substitute for our current energy source. Although many believe the theory that history repeats itself, we sometimes go along doing similar things to what we’ve been doing. Since we all know that every energy source has its drawbacks and benefits scientists and engineers have created ways to create and some-how stabilize the much needed power source of nuclear energy. The timeline below outlines the significant events that took place from the years 1940’s to the early 2000’s. Just to make things a bit clearer the timetable outlines six, ten-year periods that are prominent for the history of nuclear safety. First, from the year 1940 to 1950 the elements of focus were put on designing, building, and operation. Scientists and Engineers had to base a good majority of their theories on their first three elements, soon after many more came into play. The second ten years was a time of economically stability; this was a time that Physics’ and other important figureheads had to explain and demonstrate to the government and he public how effective this would be for our society. Third, this time period was the rise of commercial industry (a time of added competition). Fourth, can you say, “Accidents!” This time was a reflection on how to improve the likelihood of future safety precautions. And last but not
NUCLEAR POWER 3 least reaffirmation this was known as a time period to quell the skepticism of the generally public, and whomever else that had doubts. After gathering information regarding both incidents the conclusion is clear, since both are considered Nuclear Power Plants the importance is something worth learning about. During the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster there were a number of contributors that triggered the disastrous events of this plant. Whereas, the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown was what I like to call a simple disaster, if there’s even such a thing, both resulting