Solar Power Vs. Nuclear Power By: G. H C. P S. J
History Solar Energy Solar energy comes from the sun (photons) Sun light has been harnessed by humans since ancient times As early as 400 BC Ancient Greeks were the 1 st to use a passive solar design in their housing Ancient Romans later improved this design using glass windows trapping sun rays for solar warmth Nuclear Energy Nuclear energy was created in 1934. Over 1939-1945, most of nuclear energy development was focused on the atomic bomb. The first U.S. power plant was created in 1991.
Pictures Sun Nuclear Atom
Chemistry & Production Solar Power Light shines on a PV cell only the absorbed is transferred to electrons in the atoms of the PV cell semiconductor material. This new energy (electrons) escape from their normal positions in the atoms and become part of the electrical flow in an electrical circuit. A special electrical property of the PV provides the force needed to drive the current through an external load(bulb) Nuclear Power Nuclear energy is a undergoes several chemical changes. Neutrons smash into the nucleus of the uranium atoms, which split in half and release energy in the form of heat. Carbon dioxide gas or water is pumped through the reactor to take the heat away, then heats the water to make steam. The steam turns turbines which turns generators creating electrical power.
Energy Source Diagram Solar Panel Nuclear Fusion
Technologies Solar Panels Solar panels are made of silicon & transfers the solar energy into electricity that can be used in everyday life. Solar panels can also harness solar energy from direct sunlight as well as indirect sunlight, such as when it is cloudy. Photovoltaic solar panels transfer sunlight into electricity and solar thermal collectors convert solar energy to heat liquids, such as water or oil. Nuclear Atoms Uranium rods are used to help break the atoms to create the heat needed to make steam. Generators are used to contain the energy after it is created.
Advantages & Disadvantages Solar Power Advantages Renewable energy source Environmentally Friendly Cheaper Electric Bills Solar Power Disadvantages Expensive Solar Panels Clouds reducing direct sunlight Needs Available Space Nuclear Power Advantages Nuclear energy doesn t produce any smoke or carbon dioxide. It produces large amounts of energy from small amounts of fuel. Nuclear Power Disadvantages It is extremely dangerous because it contains radioactive chemicals. The nuclear plants produce carbon dioxide
Energy Plants Solar Energy Generating Systems (SEGS) power plant located in California s Mojave Desert Nuclear power plant in Cattenom, France
Environment Solar Using solar energy has a positive impact on the environment providing power for our use while allow us to save other resources, reducing the cost and effects of obtaining fuels. Once the solar powered system is fully set up it does not generate pollutants while functioning. Reducing the use of fossil fuels and providing energy for lots of land. Which keeps the environment clean and healthier. Nuclear Some people see nuclear power plants as a "clean" power source since the nuclear plants themselves do not release any air pollutants such as sulfur dioxide. Nuclear power plant environmental impacts include air emissions & all stages of the uranium fuel procurement process.
Economics Nuclear Solar Uranium cost about $25 to $50 per lb and 0.50 to 0.62 per kg
Conclusion Solar Power The state of Missouri should develop solar power as a main energy source because although it may cause some pollution in the production process it will benefit us in the end providing sufficient energy covering lots of land which is healthy for the environment and is available most of the time and it s a continuous resource never diminishing.
Bibliography http://www.eere.energy.gov/basics/renewable_ energy/solar.html http://www.darvill.clara.net/altenerg/nuclear.ht m http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/solar_power