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All 15 Flashcards — Nuclear energy
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Question
Define nuclear fission.
Answer
Nuclear fission is the splitting of a heavy atomic nucleus (such as uranium-235) into smaller nuclei, releasing energy and additional neutrons.
💡 Hint
Split heavy nucleus → energy.
Question
What is the main fuel commonly used in current nuclear fission reactors?
Answer
Most current fission reactors use enriched uranium, especially uranium-235 (or fuel that produces plutonium-239 in some designs).
💡 Hint
Think uranium-235.
Question
State two advantages of nuclear power.
Answer
Advantages include low greenhouse gas emissions during operation and reliable baseload electricity generation (high capacity factor).
💡 Hint
Low carbon + reliable baseload.
Question
State two disadvantages of nuclear power.
Answer
Disadvantages include long-lived radioactive waste and the risk of severe accidents; high construction and decommissioning costs are also major issues.
💡 Hint
Waste + safety are core.
Question
Outline how a nuclear power plant produces electricity from fission.
Answer
Fission releases heat, which boils water into steam; the steam turns turbines connected to generators, producing electricity. Control rods and moderators help control the chain reaction.
💡 Hint
Heat → steam → turbine → electricity.
Question
Give one reason nuclear is described as “baseload”.
Answer
It can run continuously at high output regardless of weather, providing a steady electricity supply.
💡 Hint
Continuous output.
Question
Why can nuclear power be attractive for climate mitigation?
Answer
Because it generates electricity with very low direct greenhouse gas emissions during operation, helping reduce CO2 from fossil-fuel electricity.
💡 Hint
Low operating CO2.
Question
What is a chain reaction in nuclear fission?
Answer
A chain reaction occurs when neutrons released by one fission event trigger further fission in other nuclei, sustaining energy release; in reactors it is kept controlled.
💡 Hint
Neutrons trigger more fission.
Question
List two major concerns that make nuclear controversial.
Answer
Key concerns include radioactive waste management and the risk of severe accidents; high costs and proliferation risk are also common concerns.
💡 Hint
Waste + accidents.
Question
Why is nuclear energy described as high energy density?
Answer
A small mass of nuclear fuel releases a very large amount of energy compared with fossil fuels, so little fuel produces lots of electricity.
💡 Hint
Small fuel mass → huge energy.
Question
Why is nuclear often compared to renewables in sustainability essays?
Answer
Because nuclear is low-carbon like renewables but differs due to finite fuel and radioactive waste, so evaluating trade-offs is a common exam theme.
💡 Hint
Low carbon, different risks.
Question
What is meant by “proliferation risk” in nuclear energy debates?
Answer
Proliferation risk is the possibility that nuclear technology, materials, or expertise could be diverted to develop nuclear weapons.
💡 Hint
Weapons risk.
Question
Why is nuclear waste considered a long-term issue?
Answer
High-level radioactive waste can remain hazardous for thousands of years, requiring secure storage and management over very long time periods.
💡 Hint
Very long half-lives.
Question
Name one reason nuclear is often classed as low-carbon but non-renewable.
Answer
It is low-carbon because it produces no direct CO2 during operation, but it is non-renewable because uranium is finite and can be depleted.
💡 Hint
Low carbon ≠ renewable.
Question
Which EVS perspective is more likely to support nuclear, and why?
Answer
Technocentric perspectives are more likely to support nuclear because they emphasise technological solutions and value reliable low-carbon power.
💡 Hint
Technocentric = tech solutions.
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Topic 7.2 hub
Energy sources—uses and management
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