Well, I was searching to see if this was already made, but the searches didn't show a thread with my idea so here it is. I am making this thread so we can have a typical tavern discussion thread for all things science! Basically, a thread for everything science! Ranging from discussions about laws and theories, scientific debate, breakthroughs, discussion about new scientific breakthroughs, certain scientists/philosophers, and all that good stuff! So go out there and let out your inner science! ;P To get us going somewhere I'll start: what do you think the future holds for technology? I think our knowledge will allow us to overcome the obstacles thrown at us in the future, I mean, we have discovered so much and have come so far!
It would take extreme circumstances, but they could be rendered ineffective, even if only for a short while. If we would reenrich the fuel rods, we would be able to infinitely reuse the same nuclear material.
IF humans could fly, IF we were immortal, IF the sun devoured us... If is if, I have no problem with research into this field, but are you going to head it?
If we could re-enrich...
It would take extreme circumstances, but they could be rendered ineffective, even if only for a short while.
And your problem is? We have power outs as of now, so what if a bit of gloomy days is ahead of our solar panels? Back up generators (could also e solar charged...), stored solar power...
I don't think uranium slits into plutonium. I know it does make lead, however. I didn't think about the byproduct removal. Melting and putting it in a centrifuge could remove the other elements.
Think we could harness the power of lightning Fankenstein style?
So was every other great innovation. Robotics, space travel, super sonic travel and electricity itself were all believed to be impossible at one point.
I believe that they don't do it because it's against the law. Beurocrats strike again.
Perhaps the word your looking for is reprocessing of enriched uranium. Also, it's not the bureaucrats, it's the process itself. Reprocessing produces many isotopes which serve as a potential health hazard. For instance, U-236 constantly emits gamma rays. Hence, reprocessing is only considered after much thought.
If we would reenrich the fuel rods, we would be able to infinitely reuse the same nuclear material.
Nope. I must refer you to radioactive decay. Theoretically, the fuel could last foever but after a given period of time the available quantity of fuel would only lower the efficiency of the plant. This would not only increase production costs but would also aggravate health hazards.
Any idea how high we can fuse?
Thermonuclear bombs could produce enough energy to fuse hydrogen to helium. Within stars, the process continues till iron.
