Universal Organization

Universal Organization

Why is it that we can equate many things in the universe to other things even though they are very different? Well for one we always try to make sense of things using analogies even if we end up over simplifying it. Another reason, however, catches my eye.

The subtle nuances between every level of life and organization lend themselves to be interrelated. One can start from the outermost perspective of the universe we know and work in to get an understanding of the similarities that rain supreme throughout these living systems.

The universe as we know it is consistent of millions upon millions of galaxies all believed to "orbit" around a central gravitational mass. Constituting each galaxy are millions of solar systems all revolving around the gravitational center of each galaxy. As one can imagine the similarities are also shared within each solar system, as millions of celestial bodies all revolve around a center of gravitational force, or star. Purely driven by the laws of physics, one can understand why these systems are so similar.

Why then can an observer look upon an ecosystem and draw similarities to this syst

em of organization. Every ecosystem has an organism or a group of organisms that is the keynote species. The ecosystem will be completely dependent on the interaction of that species with the world around it, not dissimilar to a planets dependence on an invariable star and it's constant gravitational force. We can attribute, by our standards, an idea of leadership throughout every level of the universe. If we observe specific groups of organisms we can see in these populations a sense of leadership, often times the center of a lion pride will the strongest male, we can also sight ourselves as an example of communities of organisms with designated leaders.

The idea that each system is in some way influenced by a sole proprietor is not left left at the level of communities. In multicellular organisms the brain performs as the center of the system controlling all other functions. Going further still, the nucleus controls the structure and function of the cell, ranging from organelle production to fertilization. The final level of structure can be seen on the atomic level; an atom consisting of a nucleus and a cloud of orbiting electrons, eerily similar to the organization of our universe.

Atoms

Where you stand in the Universe

Lions!!

Why Do People Die From Nuclear Radiation?

     Nuclear power, is a good and natural source of energy, but the radiation it emits can be quite deadly to humans and animals.  For this reason, governments are cautious about launching nuclear bombs.  I want to know how nuclear radiation affects people who are exposed to it.

       Nuclear energy can be produced in two different ways.  One method is called Nuclear Fission and the other method is called Nuclear Fusion.  Nuclear Fission works when one splits the nuclei of atoms.  This causes energy to be released.  For example, atomic bombs and nuclear reactors utilize the method of nuclear fission.  The element that is used as fuel to make nuclear fission possible, is uranium.  Uranium is the ideal element for this method because a uranium nuclei can be split easily by shooting neutrons at it.  Another reason it is used is that when the uranium splits, more neutrons are produced, and can then be used to split more uranium nuclei.  This is a process called a chained reaction.  Nuclear Fusion works when the nuclei of atoms fuse together under high levels of heat.  The heat to cause this reaction comes from an atomic bomb.  When the right level of heat is acheived, hydrogen nuclei fuse together to form helium.  While the helium is being formed large amounts of energy are released, and produce big explosions.  The sun and other stars use this type of method to make energy.  This method is also used to make hydrogen bombs.


       Now that we know how nuclear energy is made, we can now figure out why the radiation produced, can kill people.  When a nuclear explosion takes place, or a nuclear reactor has a meltdown, radiation is released.  Most of the radiation released by nuclear explosions and reactors, is ionizing radiation.  This radiation, can turn neutral atoms into ions, because of its charge.  If you are exposed to the radiation, there is a possibility that the ions could be produced near or in important cells in your body.  For example, the ionizing radiation could hit your DNA, and change it.  It would it by making the atom bond differently than it had before.  The changing of that one DNA atom could mutate your DNA and make you sick, or even kill you.  Dying from radiation is called radiation sickness, and it is painful.

       In conclusion, Nuclear energy is a clean source of energy, but the radiation it can emit can end your life.  There are two different ways to make nuclear energy.  One way is by Nuclear Fission, in which the nuclei of atoms is split, and energy is released.  The other way is by Nuclear Fusion, in which the nuclei of hydrogen molecules fuse together under high heat to produce helium, all the while producing a lot of energy.  Being exposed to ionizing radiation puts one at risk of having he or she's DNA or cells mutated.  A process that can cause radiation sickness, which can kill you.  With all that I have explained, do you believe that we, as humans, should continue to use Nuclear energy?