Talk:Nuclear power/proposed new intro

''Note: this is a proposed new introduction to the article Nuclear power. It was removed because it still needs work, but it may in future replace the present text. --Robert Merkel 08:48, 28 January 2006 (UTC)''

Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions to do useful work, usually in the form of electricity generation. By placing critical amounts of radioactive isotopes close together and introducing a moderating element, a controlled nuclear reaction will occur which converts atomic-level energy into heat. The heat is often used to boil water into steam, causing pressure which will spin a turbine. The turbine can be connected to a propeller as in the case of a nuclear sub, or to a generator for electricity. In many cases the heat is also used to warm building and provide hot water, and the steam may be used to process food. In an atomic battery the heat is used directly to create electricity by heating a thermocouple. Nuclear power drives many submarines, one historic ship, a handful of lighthouses, several spacecraft, and about 17% of the World's electricity (about 7% of world energy consumption). Nuclear power was introduced in 1951 as an abundant source of energy "too cheap to meter"; however, several nuclear meltdowns, including the incident at Chernobyl in 1986, have damped this enthusiasm. Nuclear power is considered by some as part of a solution to the problem of global warming, and by most governments as a form of energy independence as well as a gateway to a nuclear weapons program. Its use remains controversial as some emphasize the risks while others emphasize the benefits. Solutions are still needed for safe long-term storage of the spent fuel and decommissioned reactors, and for many aspect of design including the deterioration of metals exposed to radiation, the risk of a run-away reaction, and the security aspects of handling a very powerful explosive. An international effort into the use of nuclear fusion for power is ongoing, but not expected to be available in commercially viable form for several decades.

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I think the following is better:

Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions to do useful work, usually in the form of electricity generation.

By placing critical amounts of radioactive isotopes close together and introducing a moderating element, a controlled nuclear reaction will occur which converts atomic-level energy into heat. The heat is often used to boil water into steam, causing pressure which will spin a turbine. The turbine can be connected to a propeller as in the case of a nuclear submarine, or to a generator for electricity. In Russia the heat is also used to warm buildings and provide hot water, and the steam may be used to process food. In an atomic battery the heat is used directly to create electricity by heating a thermocouple.

Nuclear power provides about 17% of the world's electricity (about 7% of world energy consumption), drives most modern submarines and provides their electricity, and powers a handful of Russian lighthouses as well as several spacecraft.

Nuclear power was introduced in 1951. Economics in the 1970s and the accidents at Three Mile Island and Chernobyl dampened enthusiasm for this form of power, but the industry believes the problems have been overcome and new plants are being constructed in several countries. Nuclear power is considered by some as part of a solution to the problem of global warming, and by most governments as a form of energy independence as well as (by a few, including Iran and North Korea) a gateway to a nuclear weapons program. Qualified disposal sites are still needed for safe long-term storage of the spent nuclear fuel and decommissioned reactors.

An international effort into the use of nuclear fusion for power is ongoing, but not expected to be available in commercially viable form for several decades.

Simesa 09:02, 28 January 2006 (UTC)