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Related Concept Videos

Nuclear Stability03:18

Nuclear Stability

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Protons and neutrons, collectively called nucleons, are packed together tightly in a nucleus. With a radius of about 10−15 meters, a nucleus is quite small compared to the radius of the entire atom, which is about 10−10 meters. Nuclei are extremely dense compared to bulk matter, averaging 1.8 × 1014 grams per cubic centimeter. If the earth’s density were equal to the average nuclear density, the earth’s radius would be only about 200 meters.
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Controlled nuclear fission reactions are used to generate electricity. Any nuclear reactor that produces power via the fission of uranium or plutonium by bombardment with neutrons has six components: nuclear fuel consisting of fissionable material, a nuclear moderator, a neutron source, control rods, reactor coolant, and a shield and containment system.
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Many heavier elements with smaller binding energies per nucleon can decompose into more stable elements that have intermediate mass numbers and larger binding energies per nucleon—that is, mass numbers and binding energies per nucleon that are closer to the “peak” of the binding energy graph near 56. Sometimes neutrons are also produced. This decomposition of a large nucleus into smaller pieces is called fission. The breaking is rather random with the formation of a large...
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Nuclear transmutation is the conversion of one nuclide into another. It can occur by the radioactive decay of a nucleus, or the reaction of a nucleus with another particle. The first manmade nucleus was produced in Ernest Rutherford’s laboratory in 1919 by a transmutation reaction, the bombardment of one type of nuclei with other nuclei or with neutrons. Rutherford bombarded nitrogen-14 atoms with high-speed α particles from a natural radioactive isotope of radium and observed...
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The process of converting very light nuclei into heavier nuclei is also accompanied by the conversion of mass into large amounts of energy, a process called fusion. The principal source of energy in the sun is a net fusion reaction in which four hydrogen nuclei fuse and ultimately produce one helium nucleus and two positrons.
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The nucleus restricts several proteins within and allows others to pass. The restricted proteins possess a nuclear retention sequence or NRS, anchoring them to the nuclear lamins and preventing their transport to the cytosol. The non-restricted proteins, after their synthesis, are transported to their site of action, such as the cytosol or other organelles, with the help of nuclear export signals or NES.
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Eighty years at the nuclear brink.

Ernest J Moniz1

  • 1Ernest J. Moniz is the chief executive officer of the Nuclear Threat Initiative, Washington, DC, USA and an emeritus professor of physics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.

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The nuclear age began 80 years ago, leading to a massive build-up of nuclear weapons. While arms control reduced stockpiles, nuclear threats persist, demanding urgent risk reduction and long-term peace strategies.

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Area of Science:

  • International Relations
  • Security Studies
  • Nuclear Policy

Background:

  • The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki initiated the nuclear age.
  • A global arms race resulted in approximately 70,000 nuclear weapons.
  • Arms control efforts have reduced the global inventory to nearly 12,000 nuclear weapons.

Discussion:

  • The historical trajectory of nuclear weapons development and proliferation underscores the dual nature of technological advancement and international security.
  • Arms control initiatives, while successful in reducing overall numbers, have not eliminated the threat posed by nuclear arsenals.
  • The continued presence of nuclear weapons necessitates ongoing dialogue and robust policy frameworks to manage international tensions.

Key Insights:

  • The legacy of the atomic bombings continues to shape geopolitical dynamics and nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
  • Significant progress in arms control has been achieved, yet the global nuclear stockpile still presents a substantial risk.
  • Effective nuclear risk reduction requires a multifaceted approach, addressing both immediate threats and long-term strategic stability.

Outlook:

  • Future efforts must prioritize de-escalation and the prevention of nuclear weapon use in any global crisis.
  • A long-term vision for enduring peace and stability is crucial, potentially involving further disarmament and strengthened international cooperation.
  • Sustained international engagement is vital to navigate the complexities of nuclear security and foster a world free from nuclear threats.