Nuclear fission splits an atom’s nucleus, creating two smaller products and releasing energy. Uranium, particularly U-235, is commonly used for energy generation. Enriched uranium is needed for nuclear energy production, while weapons require a higher percentage of U-235. Radioactive particles are a concern, and nuclear fission is different from nuclear fusion. Nuclear fission is the […]
Nuclear technicians administer radiopharmaceuticals to patients and use imaging equipment to measure the activity of radionuclides in the body for disease treatment or identification. They require significant training and education, and can be classified as diagnostic or treatment technicians, nuclear cardiology technicians, or PET technicians. All nuclear technician jobs require careful attention to detail to […]
Nuclear energy can be natural or created by humans. Nuclear fusion is a natural process, while nuclear fission is used in power plants. Nuclear power plants generate electricity by using the heat from the nuclear reaction to generate steam. While there are potential dangers, nuclear power plants have the potential to benefit the environment by […]
Nuclear waste is classified as high-level waste (HLW) or low-level waste (LLW) based on radioactivity, source, and half-life. HLW consists of spent fuel rods from nuclear reactors, while LLW includes materials that have come into contact with radioactive substances or have become radioactive through exposure to radiation. Disposal of nuclear waste is an ongoing and […]
Russia is constructing eight floating nuclear power plants in the Arctic to provide energy to oil rigs. Each station costs $400m, can supply heat and electricity to communities of up to 45,000 people, and is expected to be used once every 12 years. Environmentalists and non-Russians are concerned about the potential for a nuclear disaster […]
In 1972, a natural nuclear fission reactor was discovered in Gabon, Africa, where uranium and geological conditions triggered chain reactions lasting a few hundred thousand years. The reactor produced modest energy, and the radioactive byproducts have been safely contained for nearly 2 billion years, proving long-term geological storage of nuclear waste is feasible. In 1972, […]
Nuclear weapons are highly destructive and give a decisive advantage to those who possess them. The primary delivery options are missiles, submarines, high altitude bombers, and theater-specific deployment methods. Submarines are the deadliest option, while bombers and missiles offer the advantage of avoiding first strike attacks. Tactical nukes, such as conventional cruise missiles and mortars, […]
A thyroid nuclear scan is a painless procedure that uses radioactive iodine to check for thyroid problems. Patients may need to prepare by stopping certain medications and avoiding food and drink before the exam. The scan takes up to an hour and results are usually available within a few days. Doctors can gain valuable insights […]
Nuclear imaging uses radionuclides for medical imaging to diagnose, treat, and monitor diseases. Radiography and computed tomography are common forms, while other types require the ingestion or injection of radionuclides to provide real-time imaging of specific areas. Nuclear imaging has become safer with technology, but risks remain. Nuclear imaging is a form of medical imaging […]
There are two main types of nuclear technicians: those who work in nuclear power and those who work in nuclear medicine. A strong background in math and science is important, as well as familiarity with technology. To become a nuclear medicine technician, studying medicine and obtaining certification in medical terminology is valuable. Accredited programs are […]
Nuclear power engineers require a first-class technical education, typically obtained through a nuclear engineering program. A bachelor’s degree is a minimum requirement, with advanced graduate work often necessary. The US Navy and other employers offer modified training programs for candidates with strong technical backgrounds. Continuing education is critical in this field. To become a nuclear […]
Nuclear tests have been conducted by eight nations, with the first being by the US in 1945. There are four types of nuclear tests, and the first generated a fireball and radioactive glass. The next nuclear explosions occurred during Operation Crossroads in 1946. Thousands of nuclear tests were conducted by nuclear states, with most stopping […]
The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons held together by nuclear binding energy. This energy prevents particles from leaving and repelling each other. The mass of the nucleus comes from the particles’ isolated mass and the binding energy. The nucleus of an atom is its central nucleus, which consists of one or more […]
Nuclear medicine technologists provide important health services using specialized equipment and radiopharmaceuticals. There are four types of jobs: product sales, hospital work, research, and teaching. Higher education is required, and opportunities for career advancement exist in various industries. There are four different types of nuclear medicine technologist jobs: product sales, work in a hospital, research, […]
Nuclear bombs can have a wide range of yields, with hydrogen bombs being more energetic than atomic bombs. The smallest nuclear explosions are “fizzles,” with the smallest recorded yield being 55 tons. Nuclear explosions with yields of a few tens of tons are still larger than almost all conventional weapon explosions. The largest nuclear explosion, […]
Nuclear medicine training requires a high school diploma or equivalent, prerequisite courses, and completion of an admissions form. Courses cover radiopharmaceuticals, computer imaging, and hands-on field experience, including radiation safety, radionuclides, and imaging technologies. Internship experiences are also required. The field of nuclear medicine is an area of healthcare that deals with providing patients with […]
Nuclear pharmacy is a specialty that involves handling and preparing radioactive materials for therapeutic treatment. Special training is required, and nuclear pharmacists work in specialized environments to ensure safety. They do not work directly with the public and follow precise protocols to reduce the risk of errors. Nuclear pharmacy is a pharmaceutical specialty that focuses […]
The Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI) is a transparent charity founded by Ted Turner and Sam Nunn to prevent nuclear terrorism and improve global health and security. Their achievements include producing Last Best Chance, removing highly enriched uranium from poorly guarded research reactors, and strengthening the International Atomic Energy Agency’s programs. The NTI also works behind […]
Governments including the US, Russia, UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, South Africa, and possibly Israel have tested nuclear weapons at various sites. The first nuclear test sites were in New Mexico and Nevada, with the first-ever nuclear weapon detonated in New Mexico in 1945. Nuclear testing continued with Operation Crossroads in the Pacific, […]
Nuclear weapons are categorized into four stages: cannon-type fission bombs, implosive-type fission bombs, fusion bombs, and MIRV delivered nuclear weapons. The first nuclear weapon was developed in the US in 1939-1945, and the gun construction was used to hurl uranium units at each other. Implosion nuclear weapons improve the efficiency of cannon weapons by surrounding […]
