Nuclear Energy - National Geographic

What is nuclear energy?

• Energy in the nucleus of an atom

• Energy from the sun

• Energy from fossil fuels

• Energy from wind

What is the process called when atoms are split to release energy?

• Nuclear fission

• Geothermal reaction

• Nuclear fusion

• Radioactive decay

What element is most commonly used as fuel in nuclear reactors?

• Uranium

• Hydrogen

• Thorium

• Plutonium

What is the role of nuclear poison rods in a reactor?

• To absorb fission products and control the reaction

• To speed up the chain reaction

• To generate heat

• To cool the reactor

What is the byproduct of nuclear energy that poses environmental risks?

• Carbon dioxide

• Methane

• Radioactive material

• Greenhouse gases

What is the primary cooling agent used in most nuclear reactors?

• Water

• Liquid metal

• Liquid nitrogen

• Molten salt

What is the specific type of uranium used in nuclear reactors?

• U-238

• U-235

• U-234

• U-236

Which country established the first nuclear power plant for community energy?

• United States

• Russia

• Ukraine

• France

What is the main environmental benefit of nuclear power plants?

• They use renewable uranium

• They require no cooling systems

• They produce no waste

• They produce no greenhouse gases

What was the primary cause of the Chernobyl disaster?

• A nuclear fusion reaction

• A steam explosion and fire

• A cooling system malfunction

• An earthquake