National Nuclear Science Week

Nuclear science plays a very important roll in the lives of Americans, but most of us don't realize how big of a deal it is, how how relevant it is. A few facts according to nei.org:

• 31 states have nuclear power generating plants

• In these plants there are 104 operating nuclear reactors

• There are about 700 people employed to operate these

• 20% of our nations electricity is generated from nuclear power

• 53 new nuclear power plants are under construction in 14 countries

Nuclear Science week was designed to recognize facts such as these. Each day of the week is assigned to promoting a different aspect of nuclear science.

Monday the 24^th is themed as "Getting to know Nuclear". Atoms, radiation, fission/fusion make up the bulk of what nuclear science is in very basic terms. These are terms we may remember hearing from grade school, but for a quick brush up here are a few definitions provided by wordiq.com

" An atom (Greek άτομον) is a microscopic structure found in all ordinary matter around us. Atoms are composed of 3 types of subatomic particles:

• electrons, which have a negative charge;

• protons, which have a positive charge; and

• neutrons, which have no charge.

Radiation generally means the transmission of objects or information from a source into a surrounding medium or destination.

In physics nuclear fission is the process where a large nucleus such as uranium is split into two smaller nuclei.

In physics nuclear fusion (a thermonuclear reaction ) is a process in which two nuclei join, forming a larger nucleus and releasing energy. Nuclear fusion is the energy source which causes stars to shine, and hydrogen bombs to explode.

Albert Einsteins E=MC^2 theory of relativity formula is also relevant to nuclear science.

Tuesday is dedicated to "Careers in the Nuclear Field". There are many career types that are associated with nuclear science. To name a few: radiologists, engineers, doctors, technologists, nuclear medicine. There are also many places that will higher someone with knowledge of nuclear science. A few of these are: the Navy, Department of Energy, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, research firms and many more.

Wednesday focus is on the Nucler Energy Generation. Nuclear energy is not dependent on producers in other parts of the world. Reviving the US economy will depend on energy independence and that is just what nuclear energy provides. According to the US Department of Energy, "With the significant energy and environmental challenges facing the nation in this new century, the benefits of clean and safe nuclear energy are increasingly apparent."

Thursday emphasizes the importance of Nuclear Safety. Americas have a very misplaced fear about power plants. However the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission has stated that there have been nearly zero incidents in the last decade. Some think it may be safer to work in a nuclear energy power plant than in an office.

Friday explain the importance and difference that Nuclear Medicine has made. Many more diseases can be diagnosed and treated with minimal radioactive material.

For more information visit www.nuclearscienceweek.org