Nuclear Power

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear energy.

Nuclear energy has some advantages over traditional methods of producing electricity. It has little impact on air quality and is more efficient than traditional methods of producing electricity. It does, however, use a nonrenewable resource, uranium. Uranium must be mined just like coal, which does have detrimental effects on the environment. Nuclear power plants also produce radioactive waste, which leads to difficulties in storage. Also, nuclear power plants use large amounts of water and can contribute to thermal pollution.

Explain why the process of mining uranium involved in the use of nuclear energy has the greatest environmental impact of the entire process.

The process of mining uranium is no different than the process of mining coal, or other minerals. This process produces waste that can enter bodies of water, destroys habitats, and contributes to pollution. Other aspects of the process of using nuclear energy have potential environmental impacts, but none as great as the actual mining and processing of the uranium ore.

Nuclear power plants produce _______.

radioactive waste that must be stored properly

Nuclear energy can be used to power _______.

all of the above

Explain how a nuclear power plant uses the process of nuclear fission to produce electricity.

The process of nuclear fission produces heat, which is used to generate steam. The steam is then used to turn a turbine. This turbine powers a generator, which changes the energy into electric energy, which can be used to power homes and businesses.

When two smaller atoms combine into a larger atom, _______ has occurred.

nuclear fusion

What are the two processes by which nuclear energy is released? Briefly describe the processes.

The two processes by which nuclear energy is released are nuclear fusion and nuclear fission. Nuclear fusion occurs when two smaller atoms are combined into a larger atom. Nuclear fission occurs when a larger atom is split into two smaller atoms.

What is the main reason that people are hesitant to use nuclear energy?

It produces radioactive waste.

Compare the energy input and output for nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

Compare the energy input and output for nuclear fission and nuclear fusion.

Nuclear power plants produce large amounts of _______.

none of the above

The nuclear accident at Chernobyl was _______ than the accident at Three Mile Island.

more devastating

Which of the following results in the release of nuclear energy?

Both the breaking of nuclear bonds and the forming of nuclear bonds.

Which of the following is a typical product of nuclear fission?

radiation

Nuclear fusion occurs in stars.

true

Which of the following statements about nuclear energy is true?

Nuclear energy is contained in nuclear bonds.

What happens to the heat that is produced from fission reactions that occur in nuclear power plants?

It is used to turn water into steam.

Control rods are used to slow down the reaction in the reactor core when the core becomes too hot.

true

The hydrogen bomb relies on the process of nuclear fission.

true

Which of the following statements about nuclear energy is true?

Nuclear energy is contained in nuclear bonds.

How is the heat generated by the reactor core of a nuclear power plant used to provide power to buildings?

It generates steam, which turns a turbine, powering a generator.

Which of the following is a possible use for nuclear energy?

all of the above

There are no negative consequences to using nuclear energy.

false

Which of the following is true of both nuclear fusion and nuclear fission?

They both have a high energy output.

Nuclear power plants require a lot of water to operate.

true