Understanding atoms let us image the inside of a body and generate electricity without oil. The same understanding built the atomic bomb.
Scientists constantly seek to find out more about atoms as they try to create new materials from them. Gold-plated orchids exist in Singapore today because a local biochemist managed to coat living plant material with gold atoms.
The knowledge of atoms has been used for medical purposes and to provide nuclear energy. In medicine, the properties of atoms are applied in:
A radiographer is a healthcare professional who uses medical radiation equipment to produce images of the human body, helping doctors diagnose illness or injury. Radiation from the X-ray machine is able to penetrate the skin and bones, and such radiation is given off by atoms that have large amounts of energy.
It is an alternative to using oil, especially in places that have no access to oil. Scientists are now trying to build smaller and more efficient plants.
| Benefits | Costs and risks |
| Generates electricity without oil · works where there is no access to oil · plants are becoming smaller and more efficient | Needs careful use and proper disposal of nuclear waste · accidents can cause loss of lives and environmental pollution · the same energy is used in atomic bombs, which are destructive |
If a question asks what should be done about a technology like this, that is the shape of the answer it wants — not “ban it” or “it's fine”, but understand it, debate it, decide wisely.