GC: n
CT: Although nuclear energy is considered clean energy its inclusion in the renewable energy list is a subject of major debate. To understand the debate we need to understand the definition of renewable energy and nuclear energy first.
Renewable energy is defined as an energy source/fuel type that can regenerate and can replenish itself indefinitely. The five renewable sources used most often are biomass, wind, solar, hydro and geothermal.
Nuclear energy on the other hand is a result of heat generated through the fission process of atoms. All power plants convert heat into electricity using steam. At nuclear power plants, the heat to make the steam is created when atoms split apart – called fission. The fission releases energy in the form of heat and neutrons. The released neutrons then goes on to hit other neutrons and repeat the process, hence generating more heat. In most cases the fuel used for nuclear fission is uranium.
S: http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2012/ph241/chowdhury2/ (last access: 18 December 2014)
N: 1. nuclear (adj): 1846, “of or like the nucleus of a cell,” from nucleus + -ar, probably by influence of French nucléaire. Use in atomic physics is from 1914; of weapons, from 1945. Hence nuclear physics (1933), nuclear energy (1941), nuclear war (1954). Alternative adjective nucleal is recorded from 1840.
fusion (n): 1550s, from Middle French fusion, from Latin fusionem (nominative fusio) “an outpouring, effusion,” noun of action from fusus, past participle of fundere “pour, melt”. In nuclear physics sense, first recorded 1947.
2. the union of atomic nuclei to form heavier nuclei resulting in the release of enormous quantities of energy when certain light elements unite—called also nuclear fusion.
3. The combination of two light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus (and perhaps other reaction products) with release of some binding energy.
4. nuclear fusion: term standardized by ISO. Source 4, fiche 1, Anglais, Observation 1 – nuclear%20fusion
5. fusion: term standardized by NATO.
S: 1. OED – http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=nuclear+fusion&searchmode=none (last access: 18 December 2014). 2. MW – http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/fusion (last access: 18 December 2014). 3, 4 & 5. TERMIUM PLUS (last access: 18 December 2014).
SYN: fusion
S: MW – http://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/fusion (last access: 18 December 2014); TERMIUM PLUS (last access: 18 December 2014).
