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Line 2: + − The science behind a nuclear fission device is [[Einstein]]'s equation <math>E= MC</math><sup>2</sup>. Spelled out, mass multiplied by the speed of light squared. This equation is the formula for the energy contained in an atom. This energy is released in a nuclear weapon when a speeding [[neutron]] collides with the atom, blasting it apart, and releasing the bonding energy of the atom. In a nuclear weapon, the atom blasted apart then releases two other neutrons which collide with two other atoms. This keeps occuring until there are no atoms left to destroy. This is known as a nuclear chain reaction. In a nuclear fission power plant, however, the nuclear core is designed so that a chain reaction cannot occur, because there are not enough atoms for it.+ − − Line 15:
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theory, binding, future of fission
==Theory==
==Theory==
The energy released from a nuclear fission device is given by the equation <math>E= MC</math><sup>2</sup>. Spelled out, mass multiplied by the speed of light squared. This equation is the formula for the energy contained in an atom. This energy is released in a nuclear weapon when a speeding [[neutron]] collides with the atom, blasting it apart, and releasing the binding energy of the atom. In a nuclear weapon, the atom blasted apart then releases other neutrons which collide with other atoms. This keeps occuring until there are no atoms left to destroy. This is known as a nuclear chain reaction. In a nuclear fission power plant, however, the nuclear core is designed so that a runaway chain reaction cannot occur, because there are not enough atoms for it.
Nuclear fusion, on the other hand, is based on putting atoms together, as opposed to breaking them apart in fission, heavier atoms often require less bonding energy than the combined original binding energies of the fusing lighter atoms.
Nuclear fusion, on the other hand, is based on putting atoms together, as opposed to breaking them apart in fission, heavier atoms often require less bonding energy than the combined original bonding energies of the fusing lighter atoms.
==Weapon==
==Weapon==
==Power==
==Power==
[[Image:Nuclear Power Plant.jpg|thumb|right|Nuclear power plant]]
[[Image:Nuclear Power Plant.jpg|thumb|right|Nuclear power plant]]
Nuclear fission has existed for power over fifty years, starting in the [[Soviet Union]]. It currently supplies electricity to many of the nations of the world. The nuclear industry was booming in the 1960's and 1970's, but after fiascos such as Three Mile Island and Chernobyl nuclear construction has died down.
Nuclear fission has existed for power over fifty years, starting with the [[Manhattan Project]]. It currently supplies electricity to many of the nations of the world. The nuclear industry was booming in the 1960's and 1970's, but political opposition stopped nuclear construction in the USA. There is talk of renewing construction because it is the cleanest and cheapest source of large quantities of power, it doesn't depend on Mideast oil, and it doesn't emit greenhouse gases.
Nuclear fusion, due to its less dangerous nature, and it being a clean energy source, has been sought vigorously, but the end result in every try has been less energy resulting in the reaction than was gotten out of it. The intense heat that is necessary for such a reaction to occur is the reason for this. Nevertheless, several countries still invest heavily in nuclear fusion energy programs in the hope that someday they may become viable.
Nuclear fusion has been sought vigorously as a clean energy source, but the end result in every try has been less energy resulting in the reaction than was gotten out of it. Nevertheless, several countries still invest heavily in nuclear fusion energy programs in the hope that someday they may become viable.
==Culture==
==Culture==
Nuclear weapons are often colloquially called "nukes."
Nuclear weapons are often colloquially called "nukes."