Unit 6 Pt 2

Explain how the process of nuclear fission in a nuclear power plant leads to the generation of electricity. Include the role of Uranium-235 and the turbine in your explanation.

• Nuclear fission involves the fusion of Uranium-235 atoms, which directly powers a turbine.

• Nuclear fission splits Uranium-235 atoms, releasing heat that generates steam to turn a turbine.

• Nuclear fission uses Uranium-235 to produce solar energy, which powers a turbine.

• Nuclear fission involves the chemical reaction of Uranium-235 with water to generate electricity.

Which of the following statements best describes the environmental impact of solar energy systems?

• Solar energy systems have a high environmental impact due to air pollution.

• Solar energy systems have a low environmental impact but can be expensive and affect desert ecosystems.

• Solar energy systems are inexpensive and have no environmental impact.

• Solar energy systems produce significant hazardous waste.

Compare and contrast the energy generation processes of fossil fuels and nuclear power. What are the key differences in terms of environmental impact and waste production?

• Both fossil fuels and nuclear power produce air pollutants and hazardous waste.

• Fossil fuels produce air pollutants, while nuclear power produces thermal pollution and hazardous solid waste.

• Fossil fuels and nuclear power both rely on renewable resources.

• Nuclear power produces air pollutants, while fossil fuels produce thermal pollution.

What is the primary reason ethanol is considered a substitute for gasoline, and what is a significant drawback of its use?

• Ethanol is cheaper than gasoline, but it increases carbon emissions.

• Ethanol does not introduce additional carbon into the atmosphere, but it has a low energy return on energy investment.

• Ethanol is more efficient than gasoline, but it is not widely available.

• Ethanol is renewable, but it produces more pollutants than gasoline.

Analyze the potential risks and benefits of using hydrologic fracturing (fracking) for fossil fuel extraction. Consider environmental and economic factors in your response.

• Fracking is environmentally safe and economically beneficial.

• Fracking can cause groundwater contamination and release volatile organic compounds, but it can also boost local economies.

• Fracking has no economic benefits and poses no environmental risks.

• Fracking is economically detrimental and environmentally beneficial.

Which of the following best describes the process of generating electricity using tidal energy?

• Tidal energy uses the flow of water in rivers to turn a turbine.

• Tidal energy uses the energy produced by tidal flows to turn a turbine.

• Tidal energy relies on solar panels to capture energy from the sun.

• Tidal energy involves burning fossil fuels to generate steam.

Evaluate the impact of nuclear accidents, such as those at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima, on the environment. What are the short- and long-term consequences?

• Nuclear accidents have no significant impact on the environment.

• Nuclear accidents only have short-term environmental impacts.

• Nuclear accidents can lead to both short- and long-term environmental impacts, including radiation release and habitat destruction.

• Nuclear accidents only affect the immediate area and have no long-term consequences.

What is the role of a radioactive element's half-life in determining its radioactivity level over time?

• The half-life determines how quickly a radioactive element becomes non-radioactive.

• The half-life is irrelevant to the radioactivity level of an element.

• The half-life is used to calculate the rate of decay and the radioactivity level at specific points in time.

• The half-life indicates the amount of energy a radioactive element can produce.