Pros
What feature of nuclear energy makes it a reliable source of electricity?
It can produce power continuously, regardless of weather or time of day.
What is a major concern about nuclear waste?
It contains or emits radioactive particles.
What is nuclear fission?
The process where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei and other particles.
What year did the Chernobyl disaster happen?
April 26, 1986
What is one reason nuclear energy is being reconsidered for future energy needs?
It can help meet climate goals by providing low-emission electricity.
How much electricity did the Chernobyl reactor produce?
29 billion kilowatts / 29 gigawatt
Why can natural disasters pose a serious risk to nuclear power plants?
Because they can damage safety systems, increasing the risk of radiation leaks or accidents.
Who discovered nuclear fission?
Otto Hahn
What was the cause of the Fukushima disaster?
A 15-metre tsunami disabled the power supply and cooling of three Fukushima Daiichi reactors.
What is one innovation being developed to make nuclear energy safer and more efficient in the future?
Small modular reactors (SMRs).
Does nuclear energy produce air pollution?
No
How expensive is it to build a large-scale nuclear construction?
$15 billion/GW to $28 billion /GW
How many nuclear reactors are in the world?
About 440 nuclear power reactors
In wich country is Fukushima Daiichi located, and when did it happen?
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (Japan, 2011)
What is fusion energy?
A process that occurs when two atomic nuclei combine to form a single, heavier nucleus.
How long can nuclear fuel last?
More than 4 billion years.
Name a country that has stopped using nuclear energy.
Germany
What was the first country to use nuclear energy?
The USSR
What were the effects of Chernobyl on people?
A significant increase in thyroid cancer.
(or Death!!!)
Name a country investing in new nuclear technology?
China
What is the impact of nuclear energy on climate change?
It produces virtually no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
What is a con to nuclear energy?
Uranium is technically non-renewable.
What is the main fuel used in nuclear reactors?
Uranium
How has nuclear safety improved since these accidents?
Control and instrumentation were improved significantly and operator training was overhauled.
What are the benefits of advanced nuclear reactors?
Lower waste yields