P7.9 Nuclear issues Flashcards
What are some sources of radiation?
Cosmic rays
Radon gas
Nuclear power
How is background radiation caused?
By radon gas the seeps through the ground from radioactive substances in rocks deep underground - radon gas emits alpha particles
What are the problems of fuel rod?
They are radioactive - after they are removed form a reactor they are stored in big tanks of water for up to a year to cool down
Machines used to open the fuel rods and extract unused uranium
Material that left has to be stored in secure conditions for many years
What are the features of new nuclear reactors?
A standard design to reduce costs and construction time
A longer operating life
Much less effect on the environment
More safety features
What does the effect of radiation depend on?
Dosage
Whether it is inside or outside the body
How long the cells are exposed to
