5 Ingenious Uses For Nuclear Technology

The wonders of nuclear technology

1. Generate electricity

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The most widespread use for nuclear technology is to generate electricity. Nuclear power is an amazing way to generate electricity, being responsible for 11% of the world's energy production. Most nuclear reactors use some form of uranium or plutonium to heat water which spins a turbine to generate electricity.

2. Medicine

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Another ingenious use for nuclear technology is in medicine. Every year, millions of people undergo radiology in order to access the health of their organs. Radiation therapy is another use of nuclear technology which uses x-rays and gamma rays to target and kill cancer cells. However, radiation treatment often kills other cells which leads to side effects.

3. Heating

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Heating is another use for nuclear technology. The same heat is used to generate electricity is also used in heating water for homes and businesses.

4. Farming

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Every year, as much as 10% of crop production is lost to pests. This is another situation where nuclear technology is here to help. Radiation is often used to mutate seeds to have more favorable traits ex resistance to pests, greater output.

5. Food preservation

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Even with the wonders of modern day refrigeration, people still want to be able to preserve their food for an extended period of time. In many countries, food is irradiated in order to do just this. By irradiating various food products, manufacturers are able to kill insects and parasites, delay ripening, and inhibit certain fruits and vegetables from sprouting.

6. Citations

Various/Unknown. "The Many Uses of Nuclear Technology." The Many Uses of Nuclear Technology. World Nuclear Association, Mar. 2014. Web. 01 Nov. 2016.

Various/Unknown. "Other Nuclear Energy Applications." Nuclear Energy Institute. Nuclear Energy Institute, n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2016.