Nuclear Power

Question 1

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

Revolt · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Nuclear energy can be used to power _______.a.street lightsb.businessesc.homesd.all of the above

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D: D

Question 3

What is the main reason that people are hesitant to use nuclear energy?a.It produces radioactive waste.b.It uses large amounts of water.c.The ore used for nuclear energy must be mined.d.It is more damaging to natural habitats than the use of coal.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: A

Question 4

When two smaller atoms combine into a larger atom, _______ has occurred.a.nuclear fusionb.nuclear fissionc.nuclear energyd.none of the above

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: A

Question 5

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

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion both require energy to occur. The energy required to cause nuclear fission to occur is significantly less than the energy required to cause nuclear fusion to occur. Nuclear fusion, however, has a significantly higher energy output than nuclear fission, although the energy derived from nuclear fission is much greater than the energy derived from chemical reactions.

Question 6

Nuclear power plants produce large amounts of _______. a. air pollution b. noise pollution c. light pollution d. none of the above Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D: D

Question 7

Nuclear power plants produce _______.a.radioactive waste that must be stored properlyb.no wastec.radioactive waste that can be released into local water suppliesd.air pollution

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A: A

Question 8

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

Revolt · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Compare the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear energy.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

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

Revolt · Accepted Answer

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 Answers

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