Nuclear Power Basics

Questions and Answers

To isolate nuclear waste from humans and the environment

Geological stability and lack of flooding risk

Its implementation has been delayed due to public and political debates

Because it is a geologically stable location Signup and view all the answers

There is no permanent repository available Signup and view all the answers

It generates power without releasing carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Signup and view all the answers

The possibility of a nuclear power plant accidentally releasing radiation into the environment. Signup and view all the answers

Nuclear fission Signup and view all the answers

To prevent a nuclear reactor from exploding like an atomic bomb. Signup and view all the answers

It can be used in the nuclear fission chain reaction to create a lot of energy. Signup and view all the answers

To control the rate of reaction by absorbing neutrons Signup and view all the answers

The negative effects of radiation exposure on the human body Signup and view all the answers

Using water from local lakes and rivers Signup and view all the answers

It cannot be disposed of by conventional means Signup and view all the answers

To prevent radioactive materials from escaping Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nuclear power is a climate-friendly energy source, generating power without releasing carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas.
Nuclear power plants work on the concept of nuclear fission, where uranium nuclei are bombarded with neutrons, releasing heat, radiation, and more neutrons.

Nuclear power plants can accidentally release radiation into the environment or be targeted for a terrorist attack.
In a nuclear reactor, the uranium chain reaction is controlled, preventing an explosion like an atomic bomb.
A meltdown can occur if the cooling system fails, resulting in the melting of the reactor's core and potential radiation release.

Exposure to radiation can have negative effects on the human body, potentially causing cancer or radiation sickness.
Radiation sickness symptoms include skin burns, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hair loss, general weakness, and possibly death.

Nuclear power plants use local water sources for cooling, which can disrupt aquatic life and release pollutants into the waterway.

Containment walls surrounding nuclear reactors are designed to withstand hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, and small plane crashes.
Terrorist attacks on nuclear reactors are a concern, but the impact of such an attack is unpredictable.

Radioactive waste from nuclear fission cannot be disposed of by conventional means due to its long-lasting radioactivity.
Current storage methods involve cooling and storing spent fuel rods on-site, with long-term storage facilities being researched.
Potential repository sites like Yucca Mountain Nuclear Waste Repository are being evaluated for permanent storage of nuclear waste.