2. Introduction
Nuclear power was discovered over 100 years
ago.
Everything related to nuclear power has not
been a positive invention.
Right now nuclear power is being developed
towards the benefit of mankind.
3. History of Nuclear Physics
The late 20’s and early 30’s are known for discovering
radioactivity and the huge steps forward in the
techniques and instrumentation of nuclear physics.
Scientists had to create large electric fields to be able to
continue their research.
1930’s- Ernest Lawrence invented the cyclotron
(=circular
magnatic accelerator).
4. Nuclear Physics Basic History
It is very difficult to date the
birth of nuclear physics.
The year 1932 is considered
to be the birth year of
nuclear physics due to
the discovery of the
neutron, positron,
deuteron and the
completion of the first
particle accelerator.
1896- Henri Becquerel accidentally discovered
radioactivity
1898- Marie and Pierre Curie discovered
radium and polonium
1920’s- A. Eddington, R. Atkinson and
F.Houtermans suggested that the Sun’s steady
energy release was due to nuclear fusion
reactions.
1928- G. Gamow, E. Condon and R. Gurney
showed that charged particles have enough
energy to penetrate a nucleus and cause its
disintegration.
6. Nuclear Power Today
Provides almost 20% of world’s electricity (8% in USA)
69% of U.S. non-carbon electricity generation
More than 100 plants in U.S. None built since the 1970s
200+ plants in the Europe Leader is France
About 80% of its power from nuclear
7. Further Development of Nuclear
Power
Today nuclear physics is developing in a more peaceful
direction
We are starting to become more and more dependant on
nuclear power.
Nuclear power produces more than 25% of the total
electricity made in over 15 countries
There is a total of about 440 nuclear reactors around the
world.
8. Nuclear Fission
Fission is the splitting of a
heavy nucleus into lighter
nuclei.
Does not require a lot of
energy.
The energy released by fission
is many times greater than
the energy released by a
chemical reaction.
9. Nuclear Fusion
Fusion is the fusing of light nuclei into a
heavier nucleus.
It requires a lot of energy to bring the
protons close enough to overcome their
electrostatic repulsion.
The energy released by fusion is many
times greater than the energy released
by nuclear fission.
11. Nuclear Bomb
(Atomic Bomb)
Fission weapons get their
energy by blasting u-235
(an isotope of uranium)
together forming a chain
reaction. When the u-235
is blasted the nuclei split,
giving out energy
12. Atomic Bomb,
Fat Man
There is another way to form
critical mass.
Using shock-waves from shaped
explosives the sub-critical mass
is compressed. Fewer electrons
are lost and the chain reaction
begins.
13. Nuclear Weapons Policies
After the end of Cold War, USA, G-7 and Russia
established the Cooperative Threat Reduction
Programs to
1. dismantle strategic nuclear weapons
2. strengthen the security of nuclear weapons and
materials
3. employ key scientists in weapons of mass destruction
(WMD) complexes.
Russia and USA did not
become allies. Despite the
signed agreement of
detargeting,
each country
has suspicions over
other’s missiles explaining
the sizes of their nuclear
arsenals.
17. Conclusion
Nuclear power was discovered over 100 years ago.
It has developed at a rapid speed thanks to the invention
of nuclear arms.
Everything related to nuclear power has not been a
positive invention
Now nuclear power is being developed towards the
benefit of mankind.
18. Bibliography
Frontiers. twentieth-century physics, Steve Adams, 2000, London and New York
BSE (Big Soviet Encyclopedia, huge list of authors,)
The Dictionary of Battles. the world's key battles from 405 BC to today, general editor David Chandler, 1987, Ebury Press,
London
Building the Universe, a new scientist guide. edited by Christine Sutton, 1985, Oxford
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http://www.hep.man.ac.uk/babarph/babarphysics/positron.html
http://science.howstuffworks.com/nuclear-bomb6.htm
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