The Sun and Solar Cells
What type of nuclear reaction happens with the sun?
Fusion
What process do nuclear power plants use to generate energy?
nuclear fission
What waste product does nuclear power generate?
radioactive waste
Name one safety feature used in nuclear power plants.
an inherent safety feature
What percentage of Americans support nuclear energy as of the mid-2020s?
55–60%?
What element is formed when hydrogen atoms fuse in the sun
helium
What is heated in nuclear power plants to create steam?
water
What is a downside of mining for solar cell materials?
environmental damage
Who ensures nuclear safety through regulations?
government agencies or regulatory bodies
What kind of areas tend to have more support for nuclear power?
regions with existing or historical nuclear infrastructure?
What type of energy do nuclear reactions in the sun produce?
light energy (photons)
What does the steam do in a nuclear power plant?
spin a turbine connected to a generator
Which type of power plant uses a lot of water for cooling?
nuclear power plant
What kind of training do nuclear workers undergo?
rigorous safety training
Name one ongoing public concern about nuclear energy.
the risk of accidents, radioactive waste, cost ect.
What effect allows solar cells to convert light into electricity?
photovoltaic effect
Name three components of a nuclear power plant.
the reactor core, fuel, and steam generator
What is one risk of nuclear accidents?
radiation release
Why is radioactive waste a long-term concern?
because it stays dangerous for a long time and must be stored securely
What can improve local acceptance of nuclear power?
economic benefits such as jobs and tax revenue?
How are nuclear reactions in the sun connected to solar panel electricity?
They produce light energy, which is then converted into electrical energy by solar cells
What do control rods in a nuclear reactor do?
regulate the nuclear reaction by absorbing neutrons
Compared to fossil fuels, how does nuclear power affect greenhouse gas emissions?
It produces less greenhouse gas emissions
What happens when multiple safety systems fail in a nuclear plant?
the risk of a nuclear accident or meltdown?
How does public perception of nuclear power compare to the past?
It has become more favorable in recent years