Energy: Nuclear Energy
Study Guide
EVPP 111 Lecture - Spring 2004
Dr. Largen
Nuclear Energy
What is half-life?
What happens when an atom is "radioactive"?
What is nuclear fission?
What is nuclear fusion?
What is a nuclear chain reaction?
How does the function of a nuclear reactor compare to that of a fossil-fuel boiler?
What are control rods, what are they made of, what is their purpose?
What are the components of the nuclear the fuel cycle?
How have research and production have typically dealt with radioactive waste materials?
What has been the consequence of both the Three Mile Island and Chernobyl accidents in terms of public opinion over nuclear reactor safety?
How many nuclear power plants were under construction in 1996 as compared to the
number under construction prior to Chernobyl?
What is thermal pollution and how does nuclear energy contribute to it?
What proportion of the heat produced in a nuclear power plant is used to generate electricity and what proportion is wasted?
What is the "life expectancy" of a nuclear power plant?
When nuclear power plants reach the end of their "lives", are they demolished or decommissioned?
What are some of the problems with decommissioning nuclear power plants?
What are some of the problems associated with the disposal of nuclear waste?
What are some of the benefits of nuclear energy?
Does nuclear energy emit carbon dioxide and contribute to global warming?
Does nuclear energy contribute to acid rain?
How are the ores that contain radioactive materials obtained?
What type of nuclear reaction occurs when neutrons from one atom impact and split the nuclei of other atoms?
What are some of the concerns associated with nuclear energy?