ISS 310 Lecture Notes - Lecture 9: Terra Nullius, Yellowcake, Nuclear Reactor
20 Sep 2016
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Nuclear fission - neutrons split an atom"s nucleus into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and more neutrons. Freed neutrons then split other nuclei, leading to cascade of fission called nuclear chain reaction. Energy released can generate electricity or be released in a nuclear bomb. Nuclear power - electricity produced by utilizing nuclear fission to generate steam. Currently accounts for 16% of global energy production. Wwii: us develops manhattan project to help fight nazi germany and imperial. Manhattan project: secret nuclear research and engineering program to develop first nuclear bombs. To be useful for fission, uranium must be enriched Enriched uranium can be used to make power or bombs. 150,000 killed by blast and fallout (airborne radioactive pollution released by nuclear explosion) Beginning of nuclear era included further development of weapons and energy production. Much development into nuclear energy, especially in countries with poor fossil fuel resources. Byproduct is depleted uranium, which can be used as plating for armor and weapons.
