Nuclear Waste by Richard A. Muller Nuclear waste is a radioactive waste that is dangerous, and a fair percentage of people would agree on this topic. However, is it really dangerous or is it just harmful to an extent? In society, many debates are held over trying to prove to the world that this substance is harmful. In the essay, “Nuclear Waste,” Muller states clearly that he sides with the anti-nuke of the debate and how he pinpoints the facts of nuclear waste with great persuasion. Yet, it is uncertain whether Muller clearly has a good argument and/or answers the questions that many people linger to know. In Richard A. Muller’s article “Nuclear Waste,” the author states clearly about how he is against the issues on nuclear waste and…show more content… At one point he asks, “Why are people so worried about transporting nuclear waste? To a great extent, we have gone to such lengths to ensure the safety of transporting the wastes. But it is obvious that society thinks the dangers and risks are greater than it really is.” (Muller 213) However, hasn’t he been constantly trying to get our attention in trying to build his case of how dangerous nuclear waste is? With all that Muller has said, Muller has made people more worried. But it is clear that contemplating on what to do about nuclear waste is not an easy topic to choose sides on. Muller made many arguments in his essay by pursuing his opinion of being anti-nuke towards nuclear waste. However, it seems like he denies his case and did not provide much of a clear position. He addresses in his essays facts and statistics on/about nuclear waste, but fails to answers society’s wandering questions. As Muller says, “If we call storage unacceptable, then its purpose put aside alone is considered an unacceptable answer. We have waste that we must find a solution to benefit society as a whole.” (Muller 210) Although, Muller purposely enabled readers to think and work towards taking action with the case, he leaves society with dealing with the case on their own. As a result, society is forced to take action to find a solution to dealing with nuclear wastes.
 Nuclear Waste Nuclear waste, also known as radioactive waste, is leftover matter that contains radioactive material. Radioactivity is when unstable nuclei of atoms decay and release particles. There are three different types of Radiation—Alpha, Beta, and Gamma—all of which are low-leveled and are naturally occurring. Alpha radiation can’t penetrate skin, but can be blocked by a piece of paper and are hazardous to the lungs. Beta radiation can penetrate the…
Nuclear waste is the radioactive waste produced by nuclear reactors, or left over from research projects, medical uses, and the manufacture of nuclear weapons. Methods of classification can vary somewhat from country to country, but two categories — high-level waste (HLW), and low-level waste (LLW) — are generally recognized, based on radioactivity, source and half-life. These materials are potentially dangerous because they emit ionizing radiation, which can damage or kill cells, produce mutations…
the whole neighborhood. Nuclear power has helped many communities. It provides the proper electricity needed during the stressful times of extremley cold winters and dreaded hot summers. Nuclear power has proved in time to be an important supplement to the fossil fuel sources, in areas where fossil fuel is low. Proponents and oppenents of nuclear plants come to a disagreement on a number of issues. The question that comes to mind of safe disposal of nuclear wastes has created much conflict with…
Nuclear waste is the material that nuclear fuel becomes after it is used in a reactor. A nuclear reactor is a system that contains and controls sustained nuclear chain reactions. Reactors are used for generating electricity and much more. Before producing power, the fuel was mostly uranium, oxygen, and steel. Later, many uranium atoms have split into various isotopes of almost all of the transition metals. The nuclear waste is dangerously radioactive. If you stood near the reactor unshielded you…
Arguments for Nuclear power. The main argument for the use of nuclear power is that using nuclear power does not contribute to global warming. Burning fossil fuels causes problems for the environment due to the fact that they’re non-renewable. Burning fossil fuels release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere which helps contribute to global warming and also causes acid rain which can destroy crops and limestone. Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, and scientists are more than 90% certain…
Mountain as a potential nuclear waste repository, and the resulting failure of the project due to government inaction. Introduction I. Attention-getter: Imagine your old community swimming pool filled with trash. Now as time passes that trash just keeps accumulating; what would you do with that trash? Where does it go or more importantly where can it go? Well, instead of trash imagine nuclear waste. Currently, 122 power plants across the U.S have spent nuclear fuel and waste that is laying unattended…
chain reaction refers to a process in which neutrons released in fission produce an additional fission in at least one further nucleus. This nucleus in turn produces neutrons, and the process repeats. The process may be controlled (nuclear power) or uncontrolled (nuclear weapons). If each neutron releases two more neutrons, then the number of fissions doubles each generation. In that case, in 10 generations there are 1,024 fissions and in 80 generations about 6 x 10 23 (a mole) fissions.…
April 2012 Nuclear power planning committee, London. LD1 3TB. Dear Sir/Madam, As a result of the current discussion to having a nuclear power plant built in our area, I have outlined some of the advantages and disadvantages or this energy source. Nuclear power can be seen advantageous due to the fact it emits relatively low amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2). The emissions of green house gases are low and therefore the contribution of nuclear power plants…
English II 12/10/12 Nuclear Power: The Solution When people think of nuclear power, they think of something dangerous and unnatural, something that must not be tampered with, lest we go too far and kill or harm innocent humans. This dangerous reputation is not well supported, and much evidence exists that not only supports it as safe, but as the solution to the US’s energy crisis. Reserves of oil are running out, while demand will only increase rapidly. Fuel for nuclear power is plentiful. Many…
