Nuclear Energy
Compared with fossil fuels, nuclear energy is a cleaner form of energy, and depending on the source of fuel used, there is a limitless source of fuel available to power modern human societies. However, there are also many other problems with nuclear power generation and primarily with the type of waste that is created as well as the perception of the safety of these power plants. Use the resources below to explore the benefits and problems with nuclear energy.
Exercise 6 – Nuclear Energy
Use the resources below to answer the following questions:
- Nuclear Energy | EARTH 104: Earth and the Environment (Development) (psu.edu)
- Nuclear Power Today | Nuclear Energy – World Nuclear Association (world-nuclear.org)
- Nuclear energy 101: Inside the “black box” of power plants | Boing Boing
- Is nuclear energy considered renewable or non-renewable and why?
- What percent of the world’s electricity comes from nuclear energy?
- Which country produces the most nuclear energy?
- What percent of the US electricity comes from nuclear energy?
- Which element is commonly used for nuclear power generation?
- All forms of the above element are radioactive. T/F
- What is the nuclear reaction that generates heat during the production of nuclear energy?
- What is the safety feature that controls the nuclear reaction, so it doesn’t explode like a nuclear bomb?
- The process of making electricity using fossil fuels and nuclear fuels is similar. Explain
- List two advantages of using nuclear energy.
- List two disadvantages of using nuclear energy.
Navigate to U.S. Energy Atlas (eia.gov) and click on the “Layer List” button on the top-right. Click on the “Eye Icon” to turn on the Power Plants layer and turn off all other layers. Now click on the Triangle Dropdown option to see different types of Power Plants in the US. Select “Power Plants – Nuclear”
- Where are more nuclear plants present in the US?
- How many nuclear power plants are in South Carolina?
- Which SC nuclear power plant produces the most MW? (Total Nameplate Capacity)
