AKS 4c Quiz

One of the problems with nuclear energy is the potential harm caused by nuclear radiation emitted by the materials used to generate power, such as uranium and plutonium. How is the potentially dangerous radiation harnessed to make electricity?

• The radiation generates magnetic fields that induce electric current.

• The radiation emits charged particles that move along wires.

• The radiation heats water, making steam to drive turbines.

• The radiation produces gamma rays, a useful form of energy.

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One of the problems of nuclear power as an energy source is the potential danger from nuclear waste, which poses what hazard?

• It adds greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.

• It remains radioactive for thousands of years.

• It threatens delicate ecosystems through mass extinctions.

• It is inexpensive and easy to transport and store.

Which of the following is the most accurate conclusion about nuclear energy based on the data in the table?

• Nuclear energy costs more per kilowatt hour to produce than other alternative energy sources.

• One benefit of nuclear energy is its relatively low cost for building a new facility.

• Nuclear energy has a greater future potential for energy production than solar.

• One benefit of nuclear energy is its relatively low CO₂ emissions.

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There are many environmental benefits to using nuclear power. One is not an environmental benefit of nuclear power. That is:

• nuclear power is a highly efficient form of energy production.

• it's not a fossil fuel, therefore it is not depleting a non-renewable resource.

• if there is a reactor accident, the land will be uninhabitable for a long time.

• unlike energy sources relying on fossil fuels, nuclear power results in little pollution.

Nuclear energy is considered to be one of the most environmentally friendly sources of energy. Compared to traditional sources of energy, such as the combustion of fossil fuels, it produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions during the production of electricity. What is another advantage of using nuclear energy?

• It is a renewable energy resource.

• It is relatively easy and cost effective to store any nuclear wastes or pollutants from nuclear power plants.

• Generating electricity in nuclear power plants is cheaper than producing electricity from coal oil gas or renewable energy sources.

• A nuclear power plant generates during a year of activity about 20 metric tons of used nuclear waste that can be recycled through the power plant.

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In 2015, only 9% of the electricity used in the U. S. was generated from nuclear power. What are some of the costs associated with using nuclear power instead of traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels? All BUT ONE would be considered a cost.

• The potential of nuclear disasters and radioactive incidents such as the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

• Nuclear power plants can work with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power when they are not available.

• The nuclear fission reaction is able to produce cheap electricity but also dangerous radioactive waste that is hard and expensive to dispose.

• Uranium and plutonium are finite sources of energy. With the current level of consumption in the nuclear power plants uranium will run out in eighty years.

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There are many advantages to using nuclear power to generate electricity. There are also many disadvantages. Choose the TWO advantages of utilizing nuclear technology to generate energy.

• Nuclear energy reduces the need for fossil fuels

• A smaller amount of fuel is required to make the same amount of energy (when compared to fossil fuels)

• Nuclear energy emits large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

• There is no waste generated from the use of nuclear energy.

• With so few regulations, it is a easy process to build new nuclear power plants.

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Nuclear power has come under higher scrutiny in recent years. Which statement would make the strongest argument for the use of nuclear power?

• Nuclear power generates large amounts of power with limited production of greenhouse gases.

• The cost of dismantling a nuclear plant at the end of its useful life is very high.

• There is an abundance of fuel that can be mined but transportation increases cost.

• The amount of radioactive waste produced is relatively small.

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Over the last several decades, scientists have addressed the problem of nonrenewable natural resources such as fossil fuels. Humans are using fossil fuels at a rapid rate, and scientists believe that we will run out of them one day. To solve this problem, research has been conducted on alternative energy sources. One alternative energy source is nuclear energy. Although nuclear energy is a good solution to this problem, there are concerns.

Which of these does NOT describe a concern about nuclear energy?

• presence of radioactive waste

• little if any carbon emissions released into the air

• contamination risk when transporting radioactive materials

• thermal pollution from water released into nearby environment

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