A Message In A Bottle · Page 29

What is a nuclear reactor?

A nuclear reactor is a factory where physicists use a powerful energy source created by the tiny particles or atoms of a mineral called uranium. They use that energy to heat water and make steam. The steam is then used to turn turbines which make it possible to run electrical lighting and machinery. In a nuclear reactor, large amounts of water are needed. If for some reason they cannot keep the reactor cool enough it can overheat and explode as it did in Chernobyl.

What is radioactivity?

Uranium gives off invisible particles which are called ‘radioactive’. These particles are highly energetic and give off other particles that affect living things. They are sufficiently energetic to make other objects that they come into contact with radioactive as well. So radioactivity can be held in metal, wood, animals’ fur, plants, etc. The radioactivity that is produced in splitting the atom is very dangerous, and, when it escapes and is taken up by living things such as plants and animals, can then change their genetic structure. This is especially dangerous for children and young animals as they are growing (their cells reproduce very quickly) and this includes babies still inside their mums; it stops them from growing normally. Uranium mines all over the world poison the people that work there, often without proper protection from the radiation. Nuclear energy is used for electricity, heaters, lighting, etc. Less than 100 years ago this energy source did not exist. In the short while that man has been using this energy source thousands of people have died or been permanently damaged by radioactive particles. One of the things that humans use radioactive materials for is weapon making; for use in war or so-called ‘dissuasion’ (discouraging other countries from attacking them).