Re: extended definition of solar power and nuclear power
Purpose
This memo is an extended definition of solar power and nuclear power as sources of energy.
Introduction
Solar power is energy from the sun. This energy is harnessed by collecting sunlight and converting it to electricity (Winter et al. 4). The cells found in the solar panels make this conversion possible. The conversion of sunlight to electricity can either be done indirectly by the use of a concentrated solar panel or directly by use of the photovoltaic cell. Nuclear power, on the other hand, utilizes nuclear reactions to produce nuclear energy (Murray 495). This energy is found in the nucleus of an atom. Just like solar energy, nuclear energy can also be used to generate electricity. The energy can either be generated through nuclear fusion or nuclear fission.
Discussion
Nuclear energy has got a long history. The Greek philosopher Democritus of Abdera was the first person to define an atom as the smallest substance that makes up matter (Murray et al. 543). The invention of the nuclear fission made it possible to spill an atom to get energy for usage. With time, an electron was discovered. This is a negatively charged element that orbits around the nucleus just like how planets orbit around the sun.
In nuclear energy, nuclear fission occurs when the nucleus of the atom is divided. This division of the atom forms different fragments that have a mass that is equivalent to three neutrons but the total mass of these fragments is smaller than original mass (Murray et al. 495). This implies that a certain percentage of the original mass has been converted to energy. Therefore, nuclear fission is as a result of the nucleus of atom capturing the neutron. But this process occurs spontaneously because the isotope is unstable.
Nuclear fusion, on the other hand, occurs when two light nuclei of an atom that is; hydrogen and its isotopes combine to form a heavy nucleus. As a result of this combination, particles are emitted (Murray et al. 379). Energy is released or absorbed in nuclear fusion in the form of kinetic energy. The energy is released in large amounts and can transform matter to plasma state (Hora 85). This, therefore, shows that nuclear fusion can either absorb or emit energy. Energy is absorbed if the atomic nuclei are heavier than the ion. However, if the ion is heavier than the cores that have merged, energy is released.
Nuclear power plants are responsible for the generation of electricity using nuclear energy (Murray et al. 457). A majority of the nuclear power plants prefer to use nuclear fission in production since nuclear fusion is non-feasible. A nuclear power plant works like thermoelectric power plants that operate with coal or oil but the only difference is the manner in which heat is dissipated (Hora 74).
Nuclear energy is a safer mode for generating electricity compared to fossil fuels since greenhouse gas emission is lowered (Murray et al. 495). The current usage of fossil fuels is very high. This means that the chances of this form of energy getting depleted are high. The generation of nuclear energy also consumes less fuel. This translates to huge savings in terms of fuel usage (Hora 96). As such, the production of electricity using nuclear energy is a continuous process which is beneficial in avoiding blackouts. Additionally, the usage of this form of energy reduces dependence on fossils fuels. This is essential in reducing global warming which is currently becoming a big problem across the globe.
However, this form of energy has its own disadvantages. Nuclear energy is associated with catastrophic accidents that are injurious to human beings (Hora 96). Nuclear waste management is another problem that is associated with this energy source (Murray et al. 457). Eliminating the effects of radioactivity takes many years. On the other hand, the lifespan of nuclear plants is limited. This is because a lot of resources are invested in the construction of nuclear plants which means that the project must show its viability within the shortest time possible. Additionally, nuclear power plants are at risk of terrorist attacks since they have got immense effects in the event that they leak.
Nuclear energy is also used in military operations in the manufacture of nuclear weapons. These weapons are used in making atomic bombs (Hora 85). Moreover, this energy is used in propelling cruisers, submarines and aircraft carriers. Nuclear energy is used in nuclear medicine. Radiation therapy is used for the treatment of cancer. Additionally, nuclear technology is used in agriculture to control pests.
Solar panels convert sunlight into electricity by use of solar cells. When the sun rays hit the solar panel, it converts photons into electrons to produce direct current electricity (Winter et al. 82). The next step is the flowing of these electrons from the solar panel to the inverter. The inverter is responsible for the conversion of direct current into alternating current (Zweibel 170). Alternating current is then used in televisions and other electronic appliances at homes and in offices. It uses the net energy meter to keep track of the energy produced.
Solar energy is beneficial since it is renewable. It can be harnessed in most parts of the world as long as there is sunshine. As such, the world can never run out of solar energy (Winter et al. 132). Notably, offices and homes that use solar energy incur lesser electricity expenses. This is because electricity from fossils fuels, geothermal and hydroelectric energy sources can be used in small amounts while the rest of the energy is harnessed from the sun. As such, this is helpful in reducing costs incurred in electricity usage. Furthermore, solar power has a low maintenance cost (Zweibel 172). The solar system does not need a lot of maintenance since it only requires to be kept clean. Additionally, technology in the solar power sector is advancing and a number of innovations are still coming up. This means the industry has a bright future and this ought to encourage more investment from governments and private entities to this industry.
However, this energy source has its disadvantages. The initial cost of installing a solar system is quite high (Zweibel 175). The system is also not reliable since it depends on the weather. The efficiency of the solar panels drops during rainy and cloudy days. They depend on sunlight to gather a large amount of energy.
Solar energy can be used to pump water at homes and also in heating bathrooms and swimming pools waters (Zweibel 175). Solar power is also used to charge reusable batteries that are eventually used for lighting and cooking at homes.
Conclusion
Both the solar power and nuclear power generate valuable energy that is used in lighting homes and supporting industrial activities across the world. Both sources of energies are friendly to the environment if used in the right ways since they both help reducing global warming that is becoming a big problem across the world.
References
Hora, Heinrich. Laser plasmas and nuclear energy. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
Murray, Raymond, and Keith E. Holbert. Nuclear energy: an introduction to the concepts, systems, and applications of nuclear processes. Elsevier, 2014.
Winter, C-J., Rudolf L. Sizmann, and Lorin L. Vant-Hull, eds. Solar power plants: fundamentals, technology, systems, economics. Springer Science & Business Media, 2012.
Zweibel, Kenneth. Harnessing solar power: The photovoltaics challenge. Springer, 2013.
