APES Unit 6 Nuclear Power

The process of splitting the nucleus of an atom into two or more smaller nuclei.

The process of converting nuclear energy into kinetic energy.

The process of combining the nucleus of an atom into a larger nucleus.

The process of releasing energy from the nucleus of an atom.

Nuclear fission is the process of combining the nucleus of an atom into a larger nucleus, along with the release of a large amount of energy.

Nuclear fission is the process of creating new atoms from existing atoms, along with the release of a large amount of energy.

Nuclear fission is the process of splitting the nucleus of an atom into two or more smaller nuclei, along with the release of a large amount of energy.

Nuclear fission is the process of converting nuclear energy into mechanical energy, along with the release of a large amount of energy.

Multiple protons

No change in the nucleus

Two or more smaller nuclei

Large single nucleus

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion both combine light nuclei.

Nuclear fission and nuclear fusion both split heavy nuclei.

Nuclear fission combines light nuclei, while nuclear fusion splits heavy nuclei.

Nuclear fission splits heavy nuclei, while nuclear fusion combines light nuclei.

High greenhouse gas emissions, low energy output, and unreliable power generation.

Low greenhouse gas emissions, high energy output, and reliable power generation.

Clean energy, low cost, and abundant resources

Minimal waste, no risk of accidents, and easy management of materials

Radioactive waste, risk of accidents, and careful management of materials

Renewable energy, no environmental impact, and safe operation

Regular inspections are not conducted

Emergency response plans are not required

No safety measures are in place

Strict regulations, regular inspections, redundant safety systems, and emergency response plans

Generate electricity directly from the fission process

Absorb excess neutrons and control the rate of fission reactions

Cool down the reactor core to prevent overheating

Reflect neutrons back into the reactor core

The amount of non-fissile material required to sustain a chain reaction

The average amount of fissile material required to sustain a chain reaction

Minimum amount of fissile material required to sustain a chain reaction

The maximum amount of fissile material required to sustain a chain reaction

Radioactive waste, water usage, accidents and meltdowns

Greenhouse gas emissions, acid rain, thermal pollution

Air pollution, deforestation, noise pollution

Soil erosion, ozone depletion, habitat destruction