Unit 8: Nuclear Energy

Question 1

How is nuclear energy used to produce power?

Answer 1

Steam turns a turbine that turns a generator that generates electricity.

Question 2

Fission

Answer 2

A nuclear reaction where a neutron hits a large atomic nucleus that splits and releases neutrons and energy as heat.

Question 3

Uranium 235

Answer 3

A naturally occurring radioactive isotope that undergoes fission.

Question 4

Nuclear energy advatages

Answer 4

A lot of energy, no air pollution, much less CO2 than coal.

Question 5

Nuclear energy disadvantages

Answer 5

Possible creation nuclear weapons, possibility of accidents, radioactive waste, radiation release, public fear, adverse health effects, hard to dispose waste, plants are expensive.

Question 6

Radioactive waste

Answer 6

Nuclear fuel that cannot produce enough heat to be useful in a power plant but is still radioactive.

Question 7

Nuclear fusion

Answer 7

A reaction that occurs when lighter nuclei are forced together to produce a heavier nuclei.

Question 8

Why don’t we use nuclear fusion?

Answer 8

Creating it on Earth is extremely difficult and not yet possible in an efficient way.