How it Works
What is solar energy?
The transformation of light and heat energy from the sun to generate electricity.
What is one major environmental benefit for solar energy?
Solar energy produces no greenhouse gas emissions during operation.
What is one pro of using solar energy compared to fossil fuels?
Solar energy is renewable.
Is it expensive to buy solar energy systems? Yes or no.
Yes.
What is one criticism of solar energy regarrding manufacturing?
Solar panels can release toxic chemicals.
What is uranium nuclear fission?
The splitting of uranium atoms to release energy in the form of heat to generate electricity.
What radioactive material from uranium nuclear fission poses long term environemntal risks?
Uranium 235.
What is one con of uranium nuclear fission?
The production of radioactive waste in the environment.
How long can the current uranium reserves last if we continue to use them at todays rate?
90 years.
What disaster reignited debates about the safety of nuclear energy in 2011?
The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.
How does solar energy produce electricity?
Photovolatic cells inside the solar panels absorb sunlight and convert it into electricity.
How does solar energy impact land use?
Solar farms can disrupt habitats and ecosystems.
Why is solar energy less reliable in certain regions across the world?
Certain regions around the world have little sunlight which makes it marder for solar energy to work.
How does the CPW of solar energy compare to coal today?
Solar energy is cheaper than the cost of buying coal making the CPW cheaper.
Why is solar energy considered a key solution to climate change?
It reduces dependency on fossil fuels.
How does nuclear fission produce energy in a power plant?
The heat from the splitting uranium atoms is used to creaate steam which drives turbines to generate electricty.
What's the name of the forest near Chernobyl?
Red Forest.
What makes uranium highly energy dense?
A small input of uranium prodcues a large output of energy.
What is the ongoing cost for nuclear power plants?
The cost of managing and storing nuclear waste.
What is the main concern about using nuclear power for energy needs?
The risk of accidents.
What type of uranium is commonly used in nuclear fission?
Uranium 235.
How does nuclear waste affect groundwater?
The leaks from storage containers can contaminate groundwater with radioactive materials.
What is the problem with decommissioning nuclear power plants?
It's too expensive and takes decades to dismantle reactors and store radioactive waste.
Why are solar panel systems more accessible in some countries more than others?
Government subsidies and policy influence.
How has the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone been repurposed in recent years?
It has become a site for research, tourism, and solar farms.