Nuclear Power is the process of converting the raw mineral uranium into a form of energy that most experts perceive as the most important form of energy in the 21st century. Nuclear Power is considered to be safe, no polluting, a long term alternative to other forms of energy, and cost effective.
Nuclear Power can replace other forms of energy safely because it emits no greenhouse gas emissions which occur with other power forms, and it is monitored constantly to protect the civilian population. The little waste that is produced is stored in underground bunkers and mountains so that they can not leak into the ground water or be disturbed by people. compared to the other forms of energy that are utilized, Nuclear Power has had very few accidents since it was implemented as a form of power for civilian use. Nuclear power is considered a long term alternative to our planets energy problems since it requires very little mineral to create a reaction, and it also takes a long time for the fuel to be used up. Finally nuclear power has been considered a cheap alternative to other forms of energy since most of the costs that are associated with this form of energy go into safety and security while with other forms of energy they focus on the extraction of raw resources which will run out some day. This makes this a cheap alternative to other forms of energy since resource reserves are estimated to make nuclear energy available for sever hundred if not thousands of years.
While nuclear power has several promising points that make it a great energy source, it does have some issues surrounding its use as a mainstream power source. Nuclear Power has been said to increase health issues in the given area of plants, the storage of the waste isn't safe and is an accident waiting to happen, and that it isn't a cost effective solution. While These are some issues that have been brought up about nuclear energy, I believe from the evidence that we have today, and for the fact that we are destroying the planet with the other forms of power we use today, that we should begin to utilize this long term energy source and replace outdated forms of power throughout the world.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
RJA #9b: Argument: "Is Nuclear Power Safe?": ENG 1020
Reason 1: Environmentally Safe
Warrant: Doesn't contribute to Global Warming and air pollution that is caused by other forms of power.
Evidence 1: No greenhouse gases
Warrant: No Carbon Dioxide or Sulfur Dioxide is released
Evidence 2: Doesn't require major mining
Warrant:Uranium is used in small amounts compared to coal and oil
Evidence 3: All wastes are stored in areas that won't effect the environment
Warrant: Any waste created is stored in Underground bunkers that protect it from entering the environment, and water tables
Reason 2: Cost Effective
Warrant: Requires very few resources
Evidence 4: Standardization of all parts and procedures
Warrant: IAEA requires plants to operate under set guidelines and use standard parts which keeps costs down.
Evidence 5: Plants can be operated by a minimal staff
Warrant: Once reaction occurs computer control just about everything
Evidence 6: No major environmental impacts to clean up
Warrant: Only one accident required an environmental clean up
Reason 3: Long lasting resource
Warrant: Resource can be used for thousands of years before depletion of resources
Evidence 7: Reaction can occur for years
Warrant: a small amount or uranium can be used for several years before it has to be stored as waste
Evidence 8: Can be reused
Warrant: Can be reprocessed after dissolved in acid and reused in plants or other equipment that is driven by nuclear energy
Evidence 9: easy managed
Warrant: resource can be regulated so that the reaction lasts longer
Reason 4: Very little health risk
Warrant:Protection is in place to prevent exposure to radiation
Evidence 10: Massive safety systems are in place
Warrant: Plants have systems that detect treats to people and will immediately warn them
Evidence 11: Transport of waste is safe
Warrant: Waste is transported in containers that are designed to survive the worst of impacts or explosions
Evidence 12: Plants are built away from cities
Warrant: With the plants being placed outside of populated areas there is no health risk from the plant itself
Objection 1: Accidents occur all the time
Refutation 1: The last accident that occurred at a Nuclear Power plant never threatened the population since the safety systems immediately shut down the plant to prevent a major accident
Objection 2: Nuclear Power Plants are to expensive
Refutation 2: While Nuclear power is expensive to operate, when you compare it to the overall costs that coal and other forms of energy cost you find that nuclear energy comes out cheaper in the long run and will not need to be substituted since it is so abundant.
Objection 3: Nuclear Power Plants Cause Cancer
Refutation 3: While Nuclear Power Plants do produce radiation that can cause cancer several safety systems are in place to make sure that the population is never exposed to radiation and the workers are check monthly to make sure they haven't been exposed to levels that could cause cancer.
Qualifiers: The Use of Nuclear Power as an alternative to other forms of power, health issues it has caused, and how much safer it is compared to other forms of power
Warrant: Doesn't contribute to Global Warming and air pollution that is caused by other forms of power.
Evidence 1: No greenhouse gases
Warrant: No Carbon Dioxide or Sulfur Dioxide is released
Evidence 2: Doesn't require major mining
Warrant:Uranium is used in small amounts compared to coal and oil
Evidence 3: All wastes are stored in areas that won't effect the environment
Warrant: Any waste created is stored in Underground bunkers that protect it from entering the environment, and water tables
Reason 2: Cost Effective
Warrant: Requires very few resources
Evidence 4: Standardization of all parts and procedures
Warrant: IAEA requires plants to operate under set guidelines and use standard parts which keeps costs down.
Evidence 5: Plants can be operated by a minimal staff
Warrant: Once reaction occurs computer control just about everything
Evidence 6: No major environmental impacts to clean up
Warrant: Only one accident required an environmental clean up
Reason 3: Long lasting resource
Warrant: Resource can be used for thousands of years before depletion of resources
Evidence 7: Reaction can occur for years
Warrant: a small amount or uranium can be used for several years before it has to be stored as waste
Evidence 8: Can be reused
Warrant: Can be reprocessed after dissolved in acid and reused in plants or other equipment that is driven by nuclear energy
Evidence 9: easy managed
Warrant: resource can be regulated so that the reaction lasts longer
Reason 4: Very little health risk
Warrant:Protection is in place to prevent exposure to radiation
Evidence 10: Massive safety systems are in place
Warrant: Plants have systems that detect treats to people and will immediately warn them
Evidence 11: Transport of waste is safe
Warrant: Waste is transported in containers that are designed to survive the worst of impacts or explosions
Evidence 12: Plants are built away from cities
Warrant: With the plants being placed outside of populated areas there is no health risk from the plant itself
Objection 1: Accidents occur all the time
Refutation 1: The last accident that occurred at a Nuclear Power plant never threatened the population since the safety systems immediately shut down the plant to prevent a major accident
Objection 2: Nuclear Power Plants are to expensive
Refutation 2: While Nuclear power is expensive to operate, when you compare it to the overall costs that coal and other forms of energy cost you find that nuclear energy comes out cheaper in the long run and will not need to be substituted since it is so abundant.
Objection 3: Nuclear Power Plants Cause Cancer
Refutation 3: While Nuclear Power Plants do produce radiation that can cause cancer several safety systems are in place to make sure that the population is never exposed to radiation and the workers are check monthly to make sure they haven't been exposed to levels that could cause cancer.
Qualifiers: The Use of Nuclear Power as an alternative to other forms of power, health issues it has caused, and how much safer it is compared to other forms of power
RJA #9a: Thesis Statement: "Is Nuclear Power Safe?": ENG 1020
Research Question: Is Nuclear Power safe compared to other forms of energy in the world and is it cost effective compared to other forms of power?
Precise Claim: Nuclear Power should be used as a replacement to other forms of energy throughout the world because it has become safer and cheaper to maintain over the other forms of energy.
Reason/Blueprint:
1. Doesn't create any greenhouse gases
2. Is easy to maintain compared to other forms of power
3. The Minerals that allow Nuclear fission to occur are extremely abundant compared to other types of energy.
4. Is one of the only forms of power that has a agency that mandates safety policies and guidelines across the world.
Thesis Statement: Nuclear energy should be used as an alternative to other forms of power throughout the world because it is safer, more environmentally friendly, and more cost effective in the long run compared to other forms of power used today.
Precise Claim: Nuclear Power should be used as a replacement to other forms of energy throughout the world because it has become safer and cheaper to maintain over the other forms of energy.
Reason/Blueprint:
1. Doesn't create any greenhouse gases
2. Is easy to maintain compared to other forms of power
3. The Minerals that allow Nuclear fission to occur are extremely abundant compared to other types of energy.
4. Is one of the only forms of power that has a agency that mandates safety policies and guidelines across the world.
Thesis Statement: Nuclear energy should be used as an alternative to other forms of power throughout the world because it is safer, more environmentally friendly, and more cost effective in the long run compared to other forms of power used today.
Monday, March 15, 2010
RJA #8b: Evaluation Check: "Is Nuclear Power Safe?": ENG 1020
http://melindaatmetro.blogspot.com/2010/03/rja-7a-evaluation-of-sources.html#comment-form
http://carolpilk.blogspot.com/2010/03/rja-7a-evaluation-of-sources_2269.html#comment-form
http://carolpilk.blogspot.com/2010/03/rja-7a-evaluation-of-sources_2269.html#comment-form
RJA #8a: Quotation, Paraphrase, and Summary: "Is Nuclear Power Safe?": ENG 1020
"The world's worst nuclear accident occurred after an explosion and fire at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. It released radiation over much of Europe. Thirty-one people died in the immediate aftermath of the explosion. Hundreds of thousands of residents were moved from the area and a similar number are belived to have suffered from the effects of radiation exposure."
http://www.atomicarchive.com/Reports/Japan/Accidents.shtml
Quotation
Nuclear Power is considered to a safer form of power in society today, but its negative history can paint a unsafe picture for some. "The world's worst accident occurred...Chernobyl nuclear power plant(Carrie Rossenfeld)." This accident occurred because of a fire and explosion that tore through the reactor main reactor and could not be controlled. After this event took place, "Hundreds of thousands of residents were moved...[while an equal] number are belived [sic] to have suffered from the effects of radiation exposure (Carrie Rossenfeld)." While this was a tragic event that "thirty-one people died in (Carrie Rossenfeld)," it doesn't mean that nuclear energy is a unsafe form of power.
Paraphrase
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident, was caused by a fire and explosion, and is considered the world's worst nuclear accident. The accident released radiation that covered almost all of Europe, while the explosive event killed thirty-one poeple. Hundreds of thousands of people had to be moved and a similar number could still be suffering from the radilogical fallout today.
Summary
The world's worst nuclear power accident occured at Chernobyl because of a fire and explosion. The radiation covered most of Europe and thirty-one poeple died. This still effects hundreds of thousands of people and forced almost the same amount to relocate.
http://www.atomicarchive.com/Reports/Japan/Accidents.shtml
Quotation
Nuclear Power is considered to a safer form of power in society today, but its negative history can paint a unsafe picture for some. "The world's worst accident occurred...Chernobyl nuclear power plant(Carrie Rossenfeld)." This accident occurred because of a fire and explosion that tore through the reactor main reactor and could not be controlled. After this event took place, "Hundreds of thousands of residents were moved...[while an equal] number are belived [sic] to have suffered from the effects of radiation exposure (Carrie Rossenfeld)." While this was a tragic event that "thirty-one people died in (Carrie Rossenfeld)," it doesn't mean that nuclear energy is a unsafe form of power.
Paraphrase
The Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant accident, was caused by a fire and explosion, and is considered the world's worst nuclear accident. The accident released radiation that covered almost all of Europe, while the explosive event killed thirty-one poeple. Hundreds of thousands of people had to be moved and a similar number could still be suffering from the radilogical fallout today.
Summary
The world's worst nuclear power accident occured at Chernobyl because of a fire and explosion. The radiation covered most of Europe and thirty-one poeple died. This still effects hundreds of thousands of people and forced almost the same amount to relocate.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Zakta Guide:"Is Nuclear Power Safe?": ENG 1020
http://zakta.com/zakta/view_1_1088_3000_Nuclear_Power_Safety
RJA #7b: Field Research Suggestions:"Is Nuclear Power Safe?": ENG 1020
http://melindaatmetro.blogspot.com/2010/02/rja-6c-field-research-options.html#comment-form
http://carolpilk.blogspot.com/2010/02/rja-6c.html#comment-form
http://carolpilk.blogspot.com/2010/02/rja-6c.html#comment-form
RJA #7a: Evaluation of Sources: "Is Nuclear Power Safe?": ENG 1020
Reference Article
"Nuclear safety in the U.S." The Free Dictionary. 2010. http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Nuclear+safety+in+the+U.S.
This Reference article includes a ton of information on nuclear Energy. It includes information on how nuclear power plants are built so that they won't effect the civilian populations encase of an accident at the plant. It also includes information on codes the plants are required to meet before they are even allowed to become operational. The free dictionary encyclopedia as also included some accidents that have occurred in past nuclear power plants. This article is a great overview of the safety of nuclear energy and events that have helped make it safer.
Book
Alexey V. Nesterenko, Vassily B. Nesterenko, Alexey V. Yablokov."Chernobyl : Consequences of the Chernobyl
This Book focuses on the effects of just one major incident that occurred during a nuclear accident. I believe that this one sources will be extremely important to my paper since it covers such a large event that effected so many. It covers the environmental effects of the accident as well as the health issues the event is still causing to this day. It also covers what procedures are being used to help protect the people that still live in the effected areas. While this is only one event it effects the almost the entire Northern Hemisphere which has a population of almost 3 billion people.
Periodical
A. Strupczewski. Accident Risks in Nuclear-Power Plants. Applied Energy. May 1, 2003. http://0-www.sciencedirect.com.skyline.cudenver.edu/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V1T-48H2W7B-9&_user=914312&_coverDate=06%2F30%2F2003&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000047910&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=914312&md5=b0d3632668a82036ecd3ca63ff76c380
This Periodical covers how nuclear energy is maintained so that it is safe and the effects of nuclear energy accidents. This article will be great for my paper since it provides information about the systems that are in place to warn the nuclear technicians of a pending disaster. It also goes over the health effects of radiation on humans if exposure does occur. The thing that really distinguished this article from others is that it covers both the good and bad with nuclear energy. It lets you know how they keep you safe from the harmful effects of reactors while telling you of accidents that have occurred and there results.
Website
Nuclear Regulatory Commission. http://www.nrc.gov/
This Website includes a ton of information on Nuclear Power. It has information on how they store nuclear waste so that it isn't harmful to the environment or humans. It also goes over what regulations they have in place to keep plants safe and what regulations must be met before a plant is allowed to become operational. The final thing that this includes is a background of nuclear accidents from the past with a detailed account of what happened. This should be a helpful site when it comes down to putting my paper together.
"Nuclear safety in the U.S." The Free Dictionary. 2010. http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Nuclear+safety+in+the+U.S.
This Reference article includes a ton of information on nuclear Energy. It includes information on how nuclear power plants are built so that they won't effect the civilian populations encase of an accident at the plant. It also includes information on codes the plants are required to meet before they are even allowed to become operational. The free dictionary encyclopedia as also included some accidents that have occurred in past nuclear power plants. This article is a great overview of the safety of nuclear energy and events that have helped make it safer.
Book
Alexey V. Nesterenko, Vassily B. Nesterenko, Alexey V. Yablokov.
This Book focuses on the effects of just one major incident that occurred during a nuclear accident. I believe that this one sources will be extremely important to my paper since it covers such a large event that effected so many. It covers the environmental effects of the accident as well as the health issues the event is still causing to this day. It also covers what procedures are being used to help protect the people that still live in the effected areas. While this is only one event it effects the almost the entire Northern Hemisphere which has a population of almost 3 billion people.
Periodical
A. Strupczewski. Accident Risks in Nuclear-Power Plants. Applied Energy. May 1, 2003. http://0-www.sciencedirect.com.skyline.cudenver.edu/science?_ob=ArticleURL&_udi=B6V1T-48H2W7B-9&_user=914312&_coverDate=06%2F30%2F2003&_rdoc=1&_fmt=high&_orig=search&_sort=d&_docanchor=&view=c&_acct=C000047910&_version=1&_urlVersion=0&_userid=914312&md5=b0d3632668a82036ecd3ca63ff76c380
This Periodical covers how nuclear energy is maintained so that it is safe and the effects of nuclear energy accidents. This article will be great for my paper since it provides information about the systems that are in place to warn the nuclear technicians of a pending disaster. It also goes over the health effects of radiation on humans if exposure does occur. The thing that really distinguished this article from others is that it covers both the good and bad with nuclear energy. It lets you know how they keep you safe from the harmful effects of reactors while telling you of accidents that have occurred and there results.
Website
Nuclear Regulatory Commission. http://www.nrc.gov/
This Website includes a ton of information on Nuclear Power. It has information on how they store nuclear waste so that it isn't harmful to the environment or humans. It also goes over what regulations they have in place to keep plants safe and what regulations must be met before a plant is allowed to become operational. The final thing that this includes is a background of nuclear accidents from the past with a detailed account of what happened. This should be a helpful site when it comes down to putting my paper together.
Monday, March 1, 2010
RJA #6c: Field Research Options: "Is Nuclear Power Safe?": ENG 1020
Interviews
I will be using the website www.allexperts.com to interview 2 experts on my topic. I will attempt to interview Bill Mihalovits and Dr. Kent Welter. They both study areas of interest on my topic and will give me great incite on my topic.
Surveys/Polls
I plan on using www.Polldaddy.com to create a survey on the safety of Nuclear Energy. I have already created a sample question that I will ask. It looks like it could be a great tool if I can get enough people to take my survey.
http://polldaddy.com/polls/preview.php?id=2778806#pd_a_2778806
Museums
I am looking into making a trip down to the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. This museum has a ton of information on how nuclear energy progressed during the cold war era. While this museum focuses more on the war side of nuclear energy from what I have researched it has some potentially valuable information on the power side of the story.
I will be using the website www.allexperts.com to interview 2 experts on my topic. I will attempt to interview Bill Mihalovits and Dr. Kent Welter. They both study areas of interest on my topic and will give me great incite on my topic.
Surveys/Polls
I plan on using www.Polldaddy.com to create a survey on the safety of Nuclear Energy. I have already created a sample question that I will ask. It looks like it could be a great tool if I can get enough people to take my survey.
http://polldaddy.com/polls/preview.php?id=2778806#pd_a_2778806
Museums
I am looking into making a trip down to the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History. This museum has a ton of information on how nuclear energy progressed during the cold war era. While this museum focuses more on the war side of nuclear energy from what I have researched it has some potentially valuable information on the power side of the story.
RJA #6b: Social Media and Multimedia: "Is Nuclear Power Safe?": ENG 1020
Resource: Technorati
Keywords Used: Nuclear Energy, Safety, Disposal
Search Strategies: Nuclear Energy +Safety +Disposal
Date of Search: Feb. 28, 2010
Number of Hits:4
Relevance: 4
Resource: BlogPulse
Keywords Used: Nuclear Energy, Accidents, Humans
Search Strategies: Nuclear Energy +Accidents +Humans -weapons
Date of Search: Feb. 28, 2010
Number of Hits:67
Relevance: 3
Resource: Feed Mill
Keywords Used: Nuclear Energy, Accidents, Environment
Search Strategies: Nuclear Energy +Accidents +Environment -weapons
Date of Search: Feb. 28, 2010
Number of Hits:10
Relevance: 4
Resource: BlogCatalog
Keywords Used: Nuclear Energy, Disasters
Search Strategies: Nuclear Energy +Disasters
Date of Search: Feb. 28, 2010
Number of Hits:3518
Relevance: 2
Resource: Blinkx
Keywords Used: Nuclear Energy, Safety
Search Strategies: Nuclear Energy +safety
Date of Search: Feb. 28, 2010
Number of Hits:32,000
Relevance: 2
Resource: FlickerStorm
Keywords Used: Nuclear Energy, accident, environment
Search Strategies: Nuclear Energy +Accident +environment
Date of Search: Feb. 28, 2010
Number of Hits:100
Relevance: 1
Keywords Used: Nuclear Energy, Safety, Disposal
Search Strategies: Nuclear Energy +Safety +Disposal
Date of Search: Feb. 28, 2010
Number of Hits:4
Relevance: 4
Resource: BlogPulse
Keywords Used: Nuclear Energy, Accidents, Humans
Search Strategies: Nuclear Energy +Accidents +Humans -weapons
Date of Search: Feb. 28, 2010
Number of Hits:67
Relevance: 3
Resource: Feed Mill
Keywords Used: Nuclear Energy, Accidents, Environment
Search Strategies: Nuclear Energy +Accidents +Environment -weapons
Date of Search: Feb. 28, 2010
Number of Hits:10
Relevance: 4
Resource: BlogCatalog
Keywords Used: Nuclear Energy, Disasters
Search Strategies: Nuclear Energy +Disasters
Date of Search: Feb. 28, 2010
Number of Hits:3518
Relevance: 2
Resource: Blinkx
Keywords Used: Nuclear Energy, Safety
Search Strategies: Nuclear Energy +safety
Date of Search: Feb. 28, 2010
Number of Hits:32,000
Relevance: 2
Resource: FlickerStorm
Keywords Used: Nuclear Energy, accident, environment
Search Strategies: Nuclear Energy +Accident +environment
Date of Search: Feb. 28, 2010
Number of Hits:100
Relevance: 1
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