Nuclear Energy

What is the highest classification level on the International Nuclear Event Scale (INES) and which historical events have reached this level?

• Level 5, Three Mile Island and Chernobyl

• Level 6, Fukushima and Three Mile Island

• Level 7, Chernobyl and Fukushima

• Level 7, Three Mile Island and Fukushima

In terms of carbon dioxide emissions for electricity generation, how does nuclear power compare to fossil fuels like coal and natural gas?

• Nuclear power produces significantly more CO2 than coal and natural gas.

• Nuclear power produces similar CO2 emissions to coal but less than natural gas.

• Nuclear power produces negligible CO2 emissions, comparable to wind and hydro power.

• Nuclear power produces more CO2 than wind and hydro but less than natural gas.

What is the fundamental nuclear process responsible for generating energy in a nuclear reactor?

• Nuclear fusion, where atomic nuclei combine.

• Nuclear fission, where heavy atomic nuclei split.

• Chemical combustion, burning fuel to release heat.

• Radioactive decay, where unstable isotopes spontaneously transform without external triggers.

Which components are primarily used in a light-water nuclear reactor to regulate the chain reaction and prevent it from going out of control?

• Steam generators and turbines

• Fuel rods and cooling towers

• Control rods and water

• Uranium enrichment facilities and waste storage

What is a primary characteristic of spent nuclear fuel rods that classifies them as waste?

• They are no longer radioactive.

• They generate too much heat for safe storage.

• They are still radioactive but no longer efficiently produce electricity.

• They can be easily recycled into new fuel.

Radium has a half-life of 1500 years. If a sample initially contains 250 kg of Radium, approximately how long will it take for the mass to decay to less than 10 kg?

• 3000 years

• 4500 years

• 6000 years

• 7500 years

Which of the following is a known health consequence associated with the release of radioactive materials during nuclear accidents?

• Increased risk of heart disease.

• Thyroid cancer due to radioactive iodine.

• Respiratory illnesses from airborne particles.

• Bone density loss from radiation exposure.

What is a significant advantage of nuclear power that is leading to its reconsideration as an energy source?

• It produces no radioactive waste.

• It is immune to natural disasters.

• It helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

• It requires minimal initial investment.