MadSci Network: Engineering
Query:

Re: Is it possible to make an atomic battery?

Date: Thu Aug 10 05:24:08 2000
Posted By: Uli Dammer, Secondary School Teacher, -, Gymnasium Liestal
Area of science: Engineering
ID: 965527469.Eg
Message:

I don't see any physical reason why an "atomic battery" shouldn't work. 
Small reactors were used in satellites whereas newer satellites use solar 
panels. As far as I know, no battery-sized atomic device has ever been built 
and no effort is being made to do so at the time being. The reason for that is 
that "atomic fuel" is highly risky and harmful to humans. The waste problem 
for the uranium used in nuclear power plants is already enormous and atomic 
batteries would be a nightmare for security and environment.   



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