Nuclear Energy Vocabulary

The sum of protons and neutrons

• atomic number

• atom mass

electricity is produced by

• Coolant

• Heat

an atom that has an equal number of neutrons and protons.

• radioactive

• isotope

generates radioactive waste

- many steps require fossil fuels (mining and disposal)

- expensive initial investment

- uncertainty of risk

• pros of nuclear power

• cons of nuclear power

less of an immediate environmental impact than fossil fuels

- no air pollution

- less disturbing to land than fossil fuels

- extremely efficient

• cons of nuclear power

• pros of nuclear power

energy released by nuclear fission or fusion

• nuclear energy

• nuclear waste

splitting of an atomic nucleus into two smaller fragments, accompanied by the release of large amounts of energy

• Nuclear fission

• Nuclear fusion

joining of two lightweight atomic nuclei into a single, heavier nucleus, accompanied by the release of large amounts of energy

• Nuclear fission

• Nuclear fusion

at high temperatures the metal encasing the uranium fuel can melt, releasing radiation; probability is low

• Nuclear fission

• Nuclear meltdown

emission of energetic particles or rays from unstable atomic nuclei, during breakdown of that nucleus

• Radioactive decay

• Nuclear meltdown