Nuclear Energy
 The splitting of atomic nuclei in a chain reaction to release energy (______________)
 Produces about ________ of the electricity in this county
 An alternative but not a renewable energy. Why?
- The radioactive form of Uranium, ______________is required (not commonly found.)
- Uranium must be mined.
- This is dangerous because of the slow release of ______________.
 Radioactivity is when the nucleus of atoms are in an ______________state releasing protons
and neutrons causing the element to change (________) into another form, eventually
________.
- Radioactivity is found in nature but is harmful to living cells in high dosages. (fission
releases a tremendous amount of radioactivity)
- Produces electricity like a fossil fuel plant but contains a nuclear reactor to produce heat.
(diagram pg. 475)
Energy in U235:
- One kilogram of U235= 16 tons of coal in energy
Impacts
- Produces no air pollution
- There is ___________ _________ from mines, processing, and disposal of uranium. (see
attached)
- Many people fear power plants due to possible __________ (when nuclear fuel becomes
too hot and escapes the reactor chamber releasing radioactivity into the surroundings.
- A partial meltdown occurred at _________ _______ ________ (PA) in 1979 ( read case
study pgs 4644 – 467)
- Worst meltdown occurred at Chernobyl (Ukraine ) pg 451
- Aging plants must be maintained which is very expensive. 81 reactors have been taken
out of service worldwide.
- Dealing with nuclear material in any way is very costly
- New technology may change plant design making them much safer. Nuclear power will
most likely decline until changes occur
Nuclear Fusion
- Fusion occurs when _________ _______ are combined to release energy forming
________ gas as a by-product
- One gram of deuterium fusion fuel = 45 barrels of oil.
- Extremely high temperatures are needed to strip the hydrogen atoms of the electrons
making a __________
- This process occurs in the Sun
* This process has only occurred experimentally