Essay On ATOMIC ENERGY - ITS USES AND ABUSES | 600+ Words Unique Essays

 

ATOMIC ENERGY - ITS USES AND ABUSES

Today we are living in an Atomic Age: At the beginning of the twentieth century, Albert Einstein advanced the theory that mass can be converted into energy (E=mc²). In 1938 Halm and Strassman succeeded in splitting the nucleus of an atom of Uranium. The first nuclear chain reaction was obtained in 1942. It was found that the process of splitting the atom of Uranium released an enormous amount of energy, thick-walled reactors have been built of lead to carry through this process of nuclear chain reaction. Nuclear research centers have been set up in many countries of the world and scientists are making efforts to improve the efficiency of the reactors.

 

Pakistan has also set up a nuclear research center to solve the problem of the shortage of fuel. We may use this inexhaustible source of energy for peace or as a weapon of war. Scientists have made atom bombs and many other weapons of war. They are a constant threat to global safety. During the Second World War, two atom bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki which brought about such destruction that Japan surrendered unconditionally. It destroyed all forms of life within a radius of several kilometers and left such harmful effects in the atmosphere that even now children are born with effects of atomic.

 

Nations are spending billions of dollars on manufacturing these deadly weapons of war. Disposal of the waste matter of atomic reactors is also a problem. International Atomic Energy Commission is trying its best to obtain assurance from all the countries that they will not use it for destructive purposes. Scientists have explored vast possibilities of the use of atomic energy for peace. The oil and coal reserves of the world are nearing exhaustion, atomic energy will be used to fulfill •the fuel requirement. Nearly all the d enveloped and semi-developed countries have set up atomic reactors for generating electricity, Thermal power plant of Karachi, where nuclear fuel. is used, is generating 125 megawatts. It supplies electricity sufficient enough to run the factories and illumine the shops, houses, and streets.

 

Atomic energy is being used for diagnosing certain complicated diseases. Pakistan Government has established IRNUM at Peshawar for the same. purpose. Nuclear medicines are also used these days. It was Madame Curie who discovered that Radium could be used for destroying malignant growth. Radium is a very costly radio-active substance. Now, thanks to cheap atomic energy, cancer, tumor, and many other diseases can be easily cured. In fact, atomic energy has rendered great service in alleviating human suffering.

 

In the sphere of agriculture, atomic energy has worked miracles. NIFA is such a nuclear research center established in Peshawar. Food, fruit, and vegetables can be saved. the help of atomic energy. The quality of seed can be improved and yield per acre can be doubled„ Atomic explosions can level the hills and mounds and the land thus made available can be used for growing crops. It can be used for accelerating the growth of crops. Thus, it can solve the problem of food shortage.

Lastly, we come to the use of atomic energy for transport purposes. Submarines, warships, missiles, and rockets use atomic energy. Nuclear fuel was used for landing on the moon and m the same way for sending satellites into space, we have to use this energy.

Atomic energy, therefore, is going to play an important role in the future. Like all new discoveries and inventions, it is going to solve some problems that mankind is facing. Scientists are fully aware of its uses and abuse? Il will be a totally insane and irresponsible person who will. let loose "hell" on mankind. To safeguard against such an eventuality, International Atomic Energy Commission must be empowered to pay a surprise visit to any of these centers and see to it that atom is used for peaceful purposes only.