All Flashcards
What are the effects of a nuclear meltdown?
Release of radioactive materials, contamination of environment, potential health impacts.
What is the impact of thermal pollution from nuclear plants on aquatic ecosystems?
Decreased dissolved oxygen, harm to aquatic life, altered ecosystem dynamics.
What are the environmental consequences of improper radioactive waste disposal?
Groundwater contamination, soil contamination, long-term health risks.
How can a tsunami impact a nuclear power plant?
Loss of power, cooling system failure, explosions, radioactive leaks (e.g., Fukushima).
Why is nuclear energy considered non-renewable?
Uranium is a finite resource.
Explain the role of neutrons in nuclear fission.
Neutrons initiate and sustain the chain reaction by splitting U-235 atoms.
What is the primary benefit of nuclear energy?
Low operating costs, high energy output, and no air pollution.
What is a major environmental concern with nuclear energy?
The long-term storage and disposal of radioactive waste.
Why is nuclear fusion not widely used?
Requires extremely high temperatures and pressures that are hard to achieve.
How do control rods prevent a runaway reaction?
They absorb excess neutrons, slowing or stopping the chain reaction.
What is the energy transformation in a nuclear power plant?
Nuclear energy to thermal energy (heat) to mechanical energy (turbine) to electrical energy.
Explain the concept of half-life in relation to radioactive waste.
Half-life is the time it takes for half of the radioactive material to decay; some waste remains dangerous for thousands of years.
Describe the relationship between nuclear fission and a chain reaction.
Nuclear fission releases neutrons that trigger further fission events, creating a self-sustaining chain reaction if uncontrolled.
Explain why thermal pollution is a concern with nuclear power plants.
Heated water released back into the environment can harm aquatic ecosystems by decreasing oxygen levels.
Why is uranium considered a non-renewable resource?
Uranium is a finite resource; its supply is limited.
What is the purpose of a nuclear reactor?
To initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction.
Explain the concept of a chain reaction in nuclear fission.
Neutrons released from one fission event trigger more fission events, creating a self-sustaining reaction.
What is the role of water in a nuclear power plant?
Water is heated by nuclear fission, creating steam to turn turbines and generate electricity.
Why is nuclear fusion not widely used?
Requires extremely high temperatures and pressures, difficult to achieve and maintain.
Describe the energy transformation in a nuclear power plant.
Nuclear energy converts to thermal energy, then mechanical energy, and finally electrical energy.
What is the significance of half-life in the context of radioactive waste?
It determines how long radioactive waste remains dangerous, impacting storage needs.