Nuclear decommissioning is the process of safely shutting down and removing hazardous materials from a nuclear facility. It can be performed by specialized companies and government agencies, with options including complete decommissioning, secure storage, or burial. Careful planning and administration are necessary, and the lifetime of a nuclear facility varies. The safe storage of nuclear […]
Switzerland built fallout shelters for every citizen in 1963, following its constitution. New buildings without shelters require a fee. Potassium iodide tablets are given every 10 years. The US had nuclear accidents, and the Megatons to Megawatts program used decommissioned Russian nuclear warheads. The US government owes $563 million to those affected by atomic tests […]
Nuclear proliferation is the spread of nuclear weapons, knowledge, and materials. Watchdog groups aim to reduce accessibility to prevent nuclear war and destruction. Several countries have pursued nuclear technology, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty has been signed by 189 countries. Disagreement exists on how to prevent proliferation, with the US focusing on preventing acquisition by […]
Over 25 countries have nuclear plants in operation, producing just under 15% of the world’s total energy consumption. The US has the most reactors, followed by France, which produces 77% of its energy from nuclear sources. Japan met 30% of its energy needs through nuclear power before the Fukushima disaster, and now plans to cease […]
Nuclear power plants produce spent nuclear fuel which is highly radioactive and must be replaced after 3-6 years. The US produces 2,000 tons of it annually and has no permanent storage solution. Reprocessing waste is an alternative but expensive. Spent nuclear fuel is radioactive material that has been used as fuel in nuclear power plants. […]
Nuclear shielding refers to the alteration of electrons around an atom’s nucleus by a magnetic field, creating a shielding effect. It can also refer to protective gear and materials used to limit radiation exposure. This includes shielding equipment, protective clothing, and lead-lined rooms and containers. Despite the use of nuclear shielding, exposure to ionizing radiation […]
The “nuclear option” is a way to end a filibuster in the US Senate by forcing a vote with a simple majority. Filibusters involve long speeches to delay a decision, but can be ended by invoking cloture or the nuclear option. The latter involves interrupting with a point of order and requesting an immediate vote, […]
The nuclear industry generates electricity through controlled nuclear reactions, but it is controversial due to safety concerns and unresolved issues around waste disposal. Accidents, such as Chernobyl, have fueled ongoing safety debates. Despite protests, nearly 15% of the world’s electricity is generated by nuclear power. The industry has also been associated with nuclear weapons. Accidents […]
Radioactive pharmaceuticals are used to highlight affected areas in the body for diagnosis. A degree in nuclear medicine is required, along with certification, and internships to gain experience. Specializations include nuclear cardiology and PET. Good social skills and staying up-to-date with technology are important for this career. Radioactive pharmaceuticals are given to patients, by injection […]
Nuclear medicine technologists can work in research, patient care, or sales, requiring a combination of technology and people skills. Training is required, and work placements are usually part of the program. The field is expanding, with research advancing the field and finding new ways to safely store and transport nuclear particles. Nuclear medicine technologist careers […]
To become a nuclear officer, one must earn a technical degree and complete a military nuclear training program. The US Navy is the primary employer for nuclear officers, who supervise nuclear-powered vessels and planes. After military service, former nuclear officers can pursue civilian careers as nuclear engineers or researchers. To become a nuclear officer, an […]
A nuclear energy engineer oversees operations, safety protocols, and equipment design in nuclear power plants or research facilities. They may also work with power officials and regulators and can work as inspectors and investigators for government agencies. A nuclear energy engineer works in nuclear power plants or in research and development facilities that focus on […]
Nuclear medicine jobs, such as nuclear medicine technologists, nurses, pharmacists, and physicians, will be in demand due to industry growth and technology development. Education requirements range from an associate’s degree to over ten years for board-certified radiologists. Nuclear medicine technologists are the most common job and require an associate’s degree and licensing exam. Nursing jobs […]
Nuclear medicine training requires consideration of purpose, admission requirements, and faculty. It is available at accredited universities for undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. Admission requirements include high school diploma and relevant courses. International students should discuss program details with their visa office. There are three items to consider when seeking nuclear medicine training: purpose, admission […]
Nuclear medicine technologists give patients radioactive drugs to help diagnose illnesses. They require a four-year bachelor’s degree, strong communication skills, and the ability to use technology to generate images. Continuing education is necessary to maintain their license and certification. Nuclear medicine technologists are professionals who give patients radioactive drugs to help doctors determine the nature […]
Physics is used to explain natural events and is a strong component of scientific disciplines. Nuclear medicine applies physical principles and theories to generate medical technology, using nuclear physics to manipulate atomic particles and create reactions. Diagnostic imaging and radiopharmaceuticals are examples of physics in nuclear medicine. In broader terms, physics studies focus on physical […]
Effective nuclear charge is the force of attraction of the nucleus on an electron after the repulsive force of the electrons has been broken down. It is found through the formula Z(effective)=ZS, where Z is the positive charge and S is the number of electrons in fully occupied orbitals. The effective nuclear charge of an […]
Nuclear officers oversee operations on nuclear-powered submarines and ships. They require a college degree and training in nuclear reactors. They can choose between submarine or surface warfare career paths and have opportunities for advancement. A nuclear officer is responsible for overseeing major operations aboard a nuclear-powered submarine or ship. Several different countries, including France and […]
Breeder reactors create more nuclear fuel than they consume, with a breeding ratio representing the number of new fissile atoms created for each fission event. They can use unenriched uranium or thorium, which is more abundant and produces less nuclear waste. However, they also create a nuclear weapons risk, which can be addressed by pretreatment. […]
Nuclear power is efficient, cheap, and produces less air pollutants than traditional power plants. Uranium, the element used to generate nuclear power, is commonly found in nature. However, nuclear power plants require a large amount of water and there are concerns about safety and radioactive waste. New safety measures are being developed, and if established […]
