"With the world desperate to find energy sources that do not emit carbon gases, the increasing cost of fossil fuels, and concerns about the security of their future supply, nuclear power is back on the agenda and in the news. the term 'nuclear power' causes anxiety in many people, and these concerns have been refueled by the impact of the 2011 earthquake- and tsunami-induced nuclear incident in Japan. Here, [the author] provides a concise introduction to the development of nuclear science, including the emergence of the nuclear power industry. He explains the nature of nuclear energy and deals with various aspects of public concern, considers the risks of nuclear power, the costs of is development, the potential of nuclear fusion, and the issues surrounding the safe disposal of nuclear waste."--Inside book flap.

1. A new science is born; 2. A new technology is developed; 3. Thermal nuclear reactors; 4. Nuclear fuel reprocessing and radioactive waste management; 5. Nuclear safety; 6. The cost of nuclear power; 7. Nuclear fusion power; 8. The need for nuclear power; Appendix.