Nuclear Energy
The splitting of atomic nuclei in a chain reaction to release energy
(fission)
Produces about 20% of the electricity in this county
 An alternative but not a renewable energy. Why?
- The radioactive form of Uranium, U235 (isotope) is required
(not commonly found.)
- Uranium must be mined. This is dangerous because of the
slow release of radioactivity.
 Radioactivity is when the nucleus of atoms are in an unstable
state releasing protons and neutrons causing the element to
change (decay) into another form, eventually lead.
- 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)
- Control rods in the reactor control the rate of the reaction
(see attachment)
Additional information
- One kilogram of U235= 16 tons of coal in energy
- The biggest problem is controlling the reaction and dealing
with the radiation)
- In 1974 there was planning for the construction and
operation of 226 reactors but since 1987 no new nuclear
plants have been ordered
- In 1997 107 nuclear reactors were operating in 32 states
- IN 1994, 40 nations signed an international safety
agreement(shuts down plants if the safety isn’t guaranteed)
Impacts
- Produces no air pollution
- There is radioactive waste from mines, processing, and
disposal of uranium. (see attached)
- Many people fear power plants due to possible meltdowns
(when nuclear fuel becomes too hot and escapes the reactor
chamber releasing radioactivity into the surrounding
- A partial meltdown occurred at Three Mile Island (PA) in
1979 ( read case study pgs. 464 – 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 hydrogen isotopes are combined to release
energy forming helium gas as a by-product
 one gram of dt fusion fuel = 45 barrels of oil.
 Extremely high temperatures are needed to strip the hydrogen
atoms of the electrons making a plasma
 This process has only occurred experimentally
- This process occurs in the Sun
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)
Additional information
- One kilogram of U235= 16 tons of coal in energy
- The biggest problem is controlling the reaction and dealing
with the radiation)
- Control rods in the reactor control the rate of the reaction
(see attachment)
- In 1974 there was planning for the construction and
operation of 226 reactors but since 1987 no new nuclear
plants have been ordered
- In 1997 107 nuclear reactors were operating in 32 states
- IN 1994, 40 nations signed an international safety
agreement(shuts down plants if the safety isn’t guaranteed)
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 surrounding
- 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 dt 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