Book Description

Nuclear Power is a six-volume set that explores the-science, mechanisms, divergent developments, dangers, successes, disasters, and lessons learned by a complex industry that will influence society for generations. Nuclear technology today is focused on issues related to dwindling energy resources and minimizing negative environmental effects, yet it was first developed under military secrecy because of its destructive capability. The books in this set, designed to complement science curricula, detail this conflicted history, the expansion of nuclear power in the near future, and the potential need for it as humankind penetrates the greater universe. Within the next 30 years, each of the more than 100 nuclear reactors in the United States will have completed its term of service. Known as Generation II reactors, they will eventually give way to Generation III and Generation reactors; however, beyond these, no single development path has yet been forged. Some scientists believe that smaller, inexpensive reactors are the wave of the future, while others envision reactors that are part of an alternative fuel economy as the best option. The Future of Nuclear Power discusses the two possible paths, detailing the planning and development required to bring these ideas to fruition and the changes needed in global energy for such technology to find a place in the world. The volume also includes information on the Apollo spacecraft Generation IV reactors the hydrogen economy ion exchange modular reactors nuclear rockets nuclear waste, disposal of water reactors The book contains more than 40 color photographs and four-color line illustrations, sidebars, a chronology, a glossary, a detailed list of print and Internet resources, and an index. Nuclear Power is essential for high school students, teachers, and general readers who wish to learn about the present and future impact of this branch of technology on the global environment. Book jacket.