Nuclear Energy
Conventional Nuclear power is done by a nuclear fission reaction (neutrons split the
nuclei of atoms)
Light Water Reactors (LWR – produce 100% of the nuclear power in the U.S.
Fuel is Uranium oxide – 97 % is nonfissionable U238
3% is fissionable U235
moderator – neutron absorbing material to slow down the neutron emitted (graphite
control rods)
Coolant – water that circulates through the core to remove heat
Containment vessel – steel reinforced concrete sea in the reactor
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reactors are refueled once a year and fuel rods (which are still radioactive) are
removed and stored in water-filled pools or dry cases
the long term goal is to store them underground
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nuclear energy is very expensive due to overlapping safety features that reduce
chance of a serious accident
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* reactors are decommissioned after about 15 – 60 years
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each step of the process (mining, processing, electricity production, storage, take
down) add cost to using nuclear energy
U.S. started developing nuclear power in the late 50’s for three reasons
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It was projected that 1,800 plants would supply 21% of the world’s power by the
year 2000.
IN 2003there were 443 reactors in 30 countries producing only 6% of the world’s
energy and 17% of its electricity
It is projected that U.S. production will drop form 17% in 2005 to 12% by 2025
due to aging plants
No new nuclear plants have been approved in this country since 1973. Why?
What are other countries doing about nuclear power?
What happened at Chernobyl? Why id this happen? How and how many people were
affected? What are the estimates by Greenpeace? How does is it affecting the people of
the Ukraine today?
What has France done in response to Chernobyl?
What are the trade offs (pros and cons) of conventional nuclear fuel
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The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) estimates there is a 15 – 45%
chance of a complete core meltdown at a U.S. reactor during the next 20 years
The NRC also found that 39 U.S. reactors have an 80% chance of containment
shell failure from a meltdown or an explosion of gases inside the structure
What types of occurrences have occurred in the U.S in the past 10 years?
After reading about terrorist attacks and dirty bombs (pgs 377 and 378) do you think our
nuclear facilities are safe from terrorist attacks? Support your answer
What are some proposed methods and possible drawbacks of disposing radioactive
wastes?
At least 228 large commercial reactors worldwide are scheduled for retirement by 2012.
Half of the current reactors in the U.S. have applied to the NRC to extend their
soon to expire 40 year license.
Describe three new types of Nuclear Reactors. Briefly explain how they work and also
list the concerns associated with each.
Nuclear fusion is when two isotopes of hydrogen (deuterium and tritium) are combined at
extremely high temperature (100 million degrees) to form a heavier helium
nucleus. A controlled fusion reaction could produce almost a limitless source of
energy and no radioactive material is used
Why are we not using it?