Nuclear Technology Demystified

Nuclear Technology Demystified: Everything You Need to Know About Everything Nuclear is a detailed introduction for laypersons to all aspects of nuclear technology. It begins with discussions of the science behind nuclear systems, including some basic physics, atomic and nuclear structure, radiation, nuclear reactions, the fission chain reaction, and conversion of the heat produced by a reactor into electricity. Next, it puts nuclear power in context by surveying other energy sources and their pros and cons, and it discusses global warming as a reason to advocate the application of nuclear power as a carbon-free energy source. Finally, it describes specific nuclear technologies, including nuclear medicine, conventional and advanced nuclear reactors, nuclear fusion, the nuclear fuel cycle, nuclear waste disposal, and even nuclear weapons. It presents detailed summaries of the three major accidents that have been suffered by commercial nuclear power stations: Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima Daiichi.The reader needs no mathematical background. Some mathematical concepts are presented, but they are explained in simple terms that laypersons can understand. The book can be read cover-to-cover or used as a reference to search for specific topics.