Lesson 10

Question 1

Describe the process to utilise nuclear energy

Answer 1

• Heat produced from nuclear fission of uranium atoms
• Water boiled from energy of heat which turns turbine to produce electricity

Question 2

Explain the distribution of nuclear power stations in UK

Answer 2

• Near to coast due large amounts of coolant water needed
• Away from centres of population and built near existing plants to minimise damage in case of accident

Question 3

How is nuclear waste disposed of?

Answer 3

• Spent fuel is kept in sealed steel drums and put in air-cooled store
• After 50 years, it is buried underground after losing most of its radioactivity
• This process is very expensice

Question 4

Describe advantages of nuclear energy

Answer 4

• Completely reliable as it can produce energy at any time
• Allows UK to generates its own energy so more independence and less transport costs
• Unlikely to be majorly polluting
• Jobs created -> positive multiple effect on eco

Question 5

Describe disadvantages of nuclear energy

Answer 5

• Very expensive
• Uranium is stock resource so not renewable
• Risk of nuclear accident which could cause major effects on country
• Decommissioning of plants also very expensive
• Money could be used on renewables