Commons:Category:Nuclear technology

Nuclear Technology is a field of technology that involves the reactions of atomic nuclei. It has a wide range of applications, from electricity generation to medicine and agriculture.

History

The history of Nuclear Technology began in the early 20th century with the discovery of radioactivity and the atomic nucleus. The first practical application of nuclear technology was the creation of atomic bombs during World War II. After the war, attention turned to peaceful applications of nuclear technology, particularly for power generation.

Applications

Nuclear Power

Nuclear Power is the use of nuclear reactions to generate heat, which most frequently is then used in steam turbines to produce electricity in a nuclear power plant. As of 2014, the electricity produced by nuclear power in the United States is about 19% of the total.

Medicine

In medicine, nuclear technology is used in radiation therapy to treat certain types of cancer. Radioactive isotopes are also used in diagnostic procedures, such as PET scans.

Agriculture

In agriculture, nuclear technology is used in food irradiation to kill bacteria and other pathogens that could cause foodborne diseases. It is also used in pest control through the sterile insect technique.

Safety and Controversies

The use of nuclear technology is not without its controversies. The main concerns are the disposal of nuclear waste, the risk of nuclear accidents, and the potential for proliferation of nuclear weapons.

See Also

• Nuclear Physics
• Nuclear Engineering
• Nuclear Fission
• Nuclear Fusion