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Understanding Nuclear Energy Basics

The document explores the fundamental concepts of nuclear energy, including nuclear fission, fuel processing, and the operation of nuclear power plants. It also analyzes the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear energy compared to other energy sources, highlighting issues such as radioactive waste and the lack of permanent disposal facilities. Key topics include the process of nuclear fission, the role of U-235 as a fuel, and the function of pressurized water reactors.

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56 views3 pages

Understanding Nuclear Energy Basics

The document explores the fundamental concepts of nuclear energy, including nuclear fission, fuel processing, and the operation of nuclear power plants. It also analyzes the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear energy compared to other energy sources, highlighting issues such as radioactive waste and the lack of permanent disposal facilities. Key topics include the process of nuclear fission, the role of U-235 as a fuel, and the function of pressurized water reactors.

Uploaded by

rochoa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Title: Exploring Nuclear Energy

Objective:

● Understand the basic concepts of nuclear energy, including nuclear fission, fuel
processing, and the operation of nuclear power plants.
● Analyze the benefits and drawbacks of nuclear energy in comparison to other energy
sources.

Reading Link Section 3.7:


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1. What is nuclear fission?


A) The process of combining two atomic nuclei
B) The splitting of an atomic nucleus into smaller atoms, releasing energy
C) The conversion of uranium into yellowcake
D) The natural decay of radioactive isotopes

2. What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?


A) The continuous process of splitting uranium atoms, releasing more neutrons and energy
B) The combination of uranium with other elements
C) The natural decay of uranium over time
D) The conversion of uranium ore into fuel pellets

3. Why is U-235 preferred as nuclear fuel over other uranium isotopes?


A) It is the most abundant isotope of uranium
B) It emits more visible light during fission
C) It releases enough neutrons to sustain a chain reaction
D) It is easier to mine and refine than other isotopes

4. What is "yellowcake" in the nuclear fuel process?


A) Uranium ore
B) A refined uranium concentrate used in fuel production
C) The radioactive waste from uranium processing
D) A protective coating for fuel rods
5. What role does the pressurized water reactor (PWR) play in a nuclear
power plant?
A) It enriches uranium for fuel production
B) It prevents the mixing of radioactive and nonradioactive water
C) It converts uranium directly into electricity
D) It uses water heated by fission to produce steam that drives turbines

6. Which of the following is NOT a benefit of nuclear energy?


A) It produces electricity without emitting air pollutants
B) It generates more power per unit of fuel compared to coal
C) It contributes significantly to global warming
D) It reduces landscape damage compared to coal mining

7. What is a major drawback of nuclear energy?


A) Its inability to produce sufficient electricity
B) The emission of large amounts of carbon dioxide during operation
C) The creation of long-lasting radioactive waste
D) The high cost of mining coal for reactors

8. What happens to spent nuclear fuel in the initial stages of storage?


A) It is melted down into yellowcake
B) It is stored in pools of water to cool and act as a radiation shield
C) It is directly disposed of in underground facilities
D) It is reused immediately in other reactors

9. Which nuclear accident resulted in the most direct deaths?


A) Three Mile Island (1979)
B) Chernobyl (1986)
C) Fukushima Daiichi (2011)
D) None of these resulted in direct deaths
10. Why is there no permanent disposal facility for high-level nuclear waste
in the United States?
A) High costs of construction
B) Lack of suitable technology
C) Challenges in finding a geologically stable site
D) Regulations prohibit the permanent disposal of nuclear waste

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