Nuclear Risks and Uses

Which risk is associated with using nuclear fission to produce energy in a power plant?

• depletion of hydrocarbons

• depletion of atmospheric oxygen

• exposure of workers to radiation

• exposure of workers to sulfur dioxide

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

A serious risk factor associated with the operation of a nuclear power plant is the production of

• acid rain

• helium gas

• greenhouse gases, such as CO₂

• radioisotopes with long half-lives

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

What is a problem commonly associated with nuclear power facilities?

• A small quantity of energy is produced.

• Reaction products contribute to acid rain

• It is impossible to control nuclear fission.

• It is difficult to dispose of wastes.

One benefit of nuclear fission reactions is

• nuclear reactor meltdowns

• storage of waste materials

• biological exposure

• production of energy

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

Which components of a fission reactor are used to slow neutrons during a fission reaction?

• moderators

• shields

• coolants

• control rods

Which substance can be used as both a coolant and a moderator in a nuclear reactor?

• graphite

• carbon dioxide

• heavy water

• helium

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

The main function of a coolant in a nuclear fission reactor is to

• slow down the speed of the neutrons

• absorb energy produced by the reaction

• shield the wall of the reactor from radiation damage

• adjust the number of neutrons available for reaction

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS3-4

Control rods in nuclear reactors are commonly made of boron and cadmium because these two elements have the ability to

• absorb neutrons

• emit neutrons

• decrease the speed of neutrons

• increase the speed of neutrons

The operation of a commercial nuclear reactor requires an isotope that will undergo

• fission and a controlled chain reaction

• fission and an uncontrolled chain reaction

• fusion and a controlled chain reaction

• fusion and an uncontrolled chain reaction

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8

The purpose of the high-density concrete used in some nuclear reactors is to

• shield the reactor walls from radiation damage

• shield the reactor personnel from radiation exposure

• control the rate of the nuclear reaction

• control the speed of the neutrons

Tags

NGSS.HS-PS1-8