Radioactivity is a property of the atomic nuclei to decay and thereby release radiation. Many atoms split when they are bombarded with neutrons, and others decay spontaneously. In both the cases, the radiation of radioactive material takes place. This radiation occurs in three forms. The alpha rays can reach only up to a few centimetres. The beta rays are made of electrons resulting from the splitting of atomic nuclei. They can go up to 1m and are stopped by metallic foils. The gamma rays are bundled energy released in the decay and are very dangerous. Even thick lead plates can only partly stop them. They can penetrate the cells of our body and can modify or destroy them.
Chain reactions are modifications in the composition of the atomic nucleus. The nucleus of a uranium atom, for instance, can be split by bombarding with neutrons. A lot of energy is released in the process. The fragments that arise as a result of the initial reaction fly off at a high speed and collide with the neighbouring nuclei, which get split in turn. The whole process takes place as long as the present mass of uranium is split. An enormous amount of heat is released when several nuclei are split at once. This can lead to explosions. For this reason, this chain reaction is initiated in a controlled way in nuclear power plants. 
In atomic power plants – APP in short – the chain reaction of the uranium decay is allowed to run in a controlled way. The uranium rods in the reactor, which are bombarded with neutrons, are dipped in water, which slows down the neutrons and helps achieve a controlled nuclear fission. In addition, the fuel rods heat up the water to about 330°C. This heat is transferred in a heat exchanger to a second, non-radioactive water circulation, where the hot water evaporates and drives steam turbines. The energy is converted into electricity by means of the connected generators similar to other power plants. 
We need to manage our natural resources very carefully to ensure that the Earth remains in a habitable condition for future generations. We must preserve the greatest treasure of the Earth, the nature. Water should be judiciously used in regions where it is scarce. After all, in many parts of the world, people are still fighting for this valuable commodity. We need to make sure that we use non-renewable natural resources like coal, petroleum sparingly and use renewable resources like wind and solar energy more for our daily needs. A research to develop a harmonious way of living is very important for our future. 
The term ‘resource’ is derived from French and means ‘tools’. Natural resources are the raw materials and the sources of energy present on the Earth. They include the deposits of coal, crude oil, or natural gas. The basic needs of our existence such as air, water, and soil, which gives us food, also belong to resources that we may be able to exploit in future. In economics, resource also means workforce and money. [custom_search_and_filter]