In 21st century one of the most basic need and requirement of human beings is Energy. As far as sources of energy are concerned, some common sources include fossil fuels like coal, oil, natural gas, solar source, hydroelectric energy source etc, but the most well known source of energy these days is the Atomic energy. So in short we can say that, today we all are living in an Atomic age. 
In beginning of 20th century a well-known scientist Albert Einstein advanced the theory that mass can be converted into energy (E=mc2). Since advancement of this theory, the definition of energy was extended and a new terminology of atomic energy was added in the list of sources of energy. This terminology was not just added in the list but the most interesting fact is that, this source was added on top of list, because of the reason that the Atomic energy is a source to an almost unlimited and uncontrollable energy, that can fulfill the energy requirements of the modern world. 
After theory of Albert Einstein, in1938 Hahn and Strassmann finally succeeded in splitting the nucleus of an atom of Uranium.
It was found that this process of splitting of Uranium releases enormous amount of energy that is almost uncontrollable without special nuclear reactors that have thick walls composed of Lead. So in short with the passage of time and as a result of continuous efforts, the first nuclear chain reaction was obtained in 1942.
From that time till now, nuclear research centers have been setup in many countries of world and scientists are working to improve the efficiency of reactors to solve the problem of shortage of fuel. But point to ponder is that, how will we use this inexhaustible source of energy? I.e. For peaceful purpose, or as a weapon of war. If we put light on use of atomic energy as a weapon of war then the most common example is of Atomic bomb.
Such weapons are a constant threat to global safety.
During World War II, two atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki which brought about such destruction that Japan surrendered unconditionally.
As a result of this nuclear attack on Japan, all forms of life in a radius of several kilometers were destroyed and left such harmful effects in the atmosphere that, even now after several years children are born with effects of atomic explosion.
In spite of these disastrous effects of nuclear weapons, nations are still spending billions of dollars on manufacturing these deadly weapons. Atomic bomb is actually an example of a very well known nuclear reaction called as Fission Reaction in which energy released per fission is about 195MeV. This is a tremendous amount of energy as compared with energy released in ordinary chemical reactions. We can imagine this by an example that, fission can produce 10,00000000 times as much energy as is released when, carbon in the conventional coal furnace is burned. Similarly another nuclear reaction is Fusion Reaction and its common example is Hydrogen bomb.
Hydrogen bomb is momentarily obtained by exploding a fission atomic bomb. Once fusion reaction starts, the energy produced in the fusion process can sustain the reaction, as a result we have uncontrolled energy or a hydrogen bomb.
So we can judge easily that a hydrogen bomb is much more powerful as compared to atomic bomb. International Atomic Energy Commission is trying its best to obtain assurance from all countries that they will not use atomic energy for destructive purposes. Along with the hazards of atomic energy, scientists have explored vast possibilities of use of atomic energy for peace. The oil and coal reserves of world are nearing exhaustion, atomic energy will be used to fulfill the fuel requirements. Nearly all the developed and semi-developed countries have set up atomic reactors for generating electricity.
Now a day’s atomic energy is being used for diagnosing various complicated diseases. Nuclear medicines are also used these days.
It was Madame Curie who discovered that Radium could be used for destroying malignant growth. As Radiumis a very costly radioactive substance. Now thanks to cheap atomic energy that cancer, tumor and many other diseases can be easily cured. In fact atomic energy has rendered great service in alleviation of human suffering.
Similarly in sphere of agriculture, atomic energy has worked miracles. Various foods such as meat, vegetables, fruits etc can be saved with help of microbes killing radiations. The quality of crops can be improved and yield per acre can be doubled. It can be used for accelerating the growth of crops. Thus it can help to solve the problem of shortage of food.
Lastly we can discuss the use of atomic energy for the purpose of transportation. Submarines, warships missiles and rockets use atomic energy.
Some warships and submarines are so big that there engines require a large amount of energy, and that energy requirement can only be fulfilled by nuclear reactors. Besides this, the nuclear fuel is also used for landing on moon and in the same way for sending satellites in the space for research purposes. Atomic energy, therefore, is going to play an important role in future. Scientists are fully aware of its uses and abuses. It will be a totally insane and irresponsible person who will let lose “hell” on mankind. To safeguard against hazards of atomic energy it is very necessary that the International Atomic Energy Commission should be empowered to pay a surprise visit to any of these centers, and to see that the atomic energy is used for peaceful purpose only. Written By: Syed Faiz Mujtaba
