Nuclear Energy

Question 1

occur when atoms of one species of a chemical element are transformed into atoms of another species by nuclear change

Answer 1

nuclear energy

Question 2

two ways nuclear energy can occur

Answer 2

fission and fusion

Question 3

the splitting of heavy atoms into lighter atoms

Answer 3

fission

Question 4

the combination of two light atoms to form a heavier atom

Answer 4

fusion

Question 5

this forms when neutrons strike other fissionable atoms

Answer 5

continuous chain reaction

Question 6

what happens when the nuclear reaction occurs in a controlled manner?

Answer 6

it could provide useable energy

Question 7

what happens when the nuclear reaction becomes out of control

Answer 7

an atomic explosion may occur

Question 8

the radioactive elements that decay, can be mined, and used to obtain nuclear energy by fission

Answer 8

uranium-235
uranium-238
thorium-232

Question 9

used to drive turbines and generate electricity

Answer 9

steam

Question 10

a highly-contained structure since radioactive materials are present

Answer 10

nuclear power plant

Question 11

the two problems associated with nuclear power plants

Answer 11

1. the fuel rod should maintain a certain temperature; otherwise, it could generate temperature high enough to cause meltdown or explosion of radioactive materials
2. the generation of radioactive wastes. these wastes need to be stored in deep underground chambers for a very long period of time

Question 12

element found in the mineral pitchblende

Answer 12

uranium

Question 13

element present in monazite

Answer 13

thorium

Question 14

what is natural uranium composed of?

Answer 14

90.3% 238U and 0.7% 235U

Question 15

the least abundant which is more fissile and can generate more energy

Answer 15

235U

Question 16

to be more useful as fuel or reactor grade, this concentration must be enriched to about 3% to 5%

Answer 16

235U

Question 17

this experienced a meltdown in 2011 when a tsunami destroyed the cooling system, sending radioactive particles in the atmosphere. this relates to the 1st problem associated with nuclear power plants

Answer 17

Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power

Question 18

this was built in 1976 in Morong, Bataan, but because of issues on safety, technology use, presence of geologic hazards near active faults and volcanoes, and occurrence of nuclear plant accidents (Three Mile Island accident and Chernobyl disaster, it never became operational. this relates to the 2nd problem associated with nuclear power plants

Answer 18

Bataan Nuclear Power Plant

Question 19

advantages of nuclear energy

Answer 19

• used to create heat and steam
• alternative to fossil fuel
• doesn’t produce greenhouse gases

Question 20

disadvantages of nuclear energy

Answer 20

• produces radioactive decay
• explosions can be dangerous

Question 21

sources of nuclear energy

Answer 21

• Earth’s crust
• cosmic rays
• nuclear reactors
• particle accelerators