We have heard of nuclear fuel and nuclear weapons. How does an atomic bomb, a deadly nuclear weapon work? Nuclear technology is based on the reactions of the atomic nuclei. A highly unstable nucleus release energetic sub atomic particles in a phenomena called radio activity. But this is a difficult process to control and relatively slow to benefit anyone.

There are various other nuclear reactions which can be controlled thereby making it possible to capture the energy released. Two types of nuclear reactions that have been tapped by mankind are nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.
In a nuclear fission, a nucleus disintegrates into two. The process is accompanied by release of high energy as well as some fast moving neutrons. These neutrons collide with other nuclei thereby allowing them to disintegrate and release further energy. This process continues in what is termed as a chain reaction. If the energy released in the disintegration of the nuclei can be captured, it can be used for various purposes. The most common illustration of using this energy is an atomic bomb.

A nuclear fusion reaction is the opposite of nuclear fission. In a fusion reaction, multiple like charged nuclei fuse together to form a heavier nucleus. The reaction releases lot more energy than the fission reaction. Such reactions are the life line of stars. Mankind has tried to simulate such reactions in a controlled manner and the hydrogen bomb is a result of such research.

Nuclear technology is used in the creation of nuclear weapons which are considered weapons of mass destruction. In the history of mankind only twice has such weapons been used – towards the end of world war II.
The more constructive use of nuclear technology is in the generation of nuclear power. Nuclear fission is the most commonly used reaction to extract energy from radioactive material in a controlled manner. In an age where the conventional resources to generate power are fast depleting, more and more nations are working out ways to tap the nuclear power.

Nuclear power is generated on the similar lines of generation of thermal power. A nuclear power plan typically comprises of nuclear reactor, where the fission reaction happens. The energy released in these reactions are captured and used to heat water. The steam generated is in turn used to generate power. There has been many concerns of using nuclear technology in the generation of power, the main has been disposal of nuclear waste. The waste or spent fuel as it is called is the radio active element left behind after nuclear fission has happened and the released energy captured. The spent fuel has high level of radioactivity in it and is an environmental hazard.

Probably the greatest application of nuclear technology is in the field of medical science. Nuclear technology is used to capture images inside the human body, to measure the levels of biochemical processes happening inside the human body as well as to provide therapy. The most commonly heard of therapy is the radiation therapy to cure cancer.
Other applications of nuclear technology are in the industrial sector wherein the technology is used to study the commercial viability of oil wells in a process called as nuclear well logging. This involves the use of a nuclear energy source and a radiation detector which helps determine the rock properties.

Food irradiation is yet another application of nuclear technology. Irradiation is a process in which nuclear or ionizing radiation is used to preserve food for longer duration and kill germs. The energy used in the process is much less compared to other applications of nuclear technology.

Nuclear technology has impacted our lives in many spheres ranging from electric power to food, medical science and to protect the environment. Nuclear technology has immense potential to contribute much more in every aspect of our lives. The onus of harnessing this powerful source of energy for constructive rather than destructive purposes is on us.