In the process of fission, two major parts are required on the atomic level, an element usually uranium 235 which has 235 protons and neutrons in its nucleus and a neutron. In a nuclear reactor the uranium used is always enriched which has an increased amount of fissionable nuclei. In the process of nuclear fission a uranium 235 molecule is split in two similar sized pieces after being hit by a neutron, after a neutron. The nucleus becomes suddenly so unstable that it splits into two major fragments and releases, on the average, two or three neutrons. Of these neutrons, at least one must succeed in producing another fission if the chain reaction is to persist. Billions of fissions will occur in a fraction of a second, thus a controlled chain reaction. I will discuss an uncontrolled chain reaction lat

The disposal of radioactive fission products and spent-fuel assemblies poses a more difficult problem than does the containment of radiation in the reactor core. Some of these nuclear wastes remain dangerously radioactive for thousands of years and thus must be eliminated or stored permanently. We currently have no practical method of permanent disposal of nuclear waste.

Nuclear power has other uses than just powering our homes. It propels military submarines, aircraft carriers, destroyers and who knows what else. Other uses for nuclear reactors is the production of radioactive isotopes that are created by bombarding non-radioactive substances with the neutrons released during fission and are used in scientific research, medical therapy and industry.

The small amount Radioactive, or nuclear, waste is the by-product the nuclear fission process. Radiation and radioactive material are attributed to tissue damage in the molecules of cellular matter. Cells can be temporally damaged or destroyed for good. The severity of the injury depends on the type of radiation, the absorbed dose, the rate at which the dose was absorbed, and the radio-sensitivity of the tissues involved. The effects of radiation are the same, whether from a radiation source outside the body or from material within. The effects of a quick influx of radiation will cause cell death, and they become apparent within less than a few weeks. Slower and evenly increasing exposure is better tolerated because some of the damage is repaired while the exposure continues, even if the total dose is relatively high. If the dose is enough to cause effects, however, repair is less likely and may be slow even if it does occur. Exposure to doses of radiation too low to destroy cells can induce cellular changes that may be detectable clinically only after some years. The most common radiation poisoning is usually localized to a small area and may cause some tissue death, damage and gangrene. Radiation that can be found internally can cause delayed deterioration, destruction of cells and can ev

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Approximate Word count = 1384
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)