1. Chapter 17, Section 2: Nuclear Energy Standards: SEV4a, e

2. Nuclear energy is theenergy within thenucleus of an atom. This energy is verypowerful & can beharnessed thrufission reactions. Uranium is theelement used as asource of nuclearenergy. 3. Neutrons are fired into atomsof uranium. Uranium atoms split & releasetheir neutrons and tons ofenergy. These uranium neutrons goon to split more uraniumatoms This creates a chain reaction Chain reaction of energy caneasily get out of control andcause explosion. Constant monitoring andsafety measures must betaken to prevent explosions. 4. A nuclear reactor is a largeconcrete structure that housesthe uranium fuel assembly. Has concrete walls that are 30 cm thick with steel inner lining to contain potential explosions. Has large vat of water that has uranium fuel rods submerged in it. Vat of water also contains control rods. Control rods of cadmium or boron absorb neutrons and control the uranium chain reaction. Uranium chain reactionoccurs, heats water, createssteam, turns turbine whichturns a generator to createelectricity 5. Water absorbs heat andslows the neutrons. Control rods control therate of the reaction. During peak energydemands control rods areraised out of water soreaction can happen fasterand create more energy. During nonpeak periodscontrol rods are submergedto slow the reaction. If reaction appears to get outof control, the control rodsare slammed into the reactorvessel to stop the reaction. 6. Pros Cons Energy is highly Uranium is nonrenewableconcentrated- a little goes VERY EXPENSIVEa long way so it will last Natural gas plant =longer than fossil fuel. $600/kilowatt (kw) Does not produce Wind power = $1000/kwgreenhouse gases Nuclear power = $3000/kw Good for countries that do Low net energy yieldnot have good supply of because so much energyfossil fuel goes into Ex: France- 75% of its energy mining, processing, safety,comes from nuclear poweretc. Must have complexbuildings and extensivesafety equipment Nuclear waste is VERYDANGEROUS 7. Nuclear waste consists of used fuelrods, water, mining waste, & clothingof workers. Exposure can cause cancers ortumors Radioactive for 1000s of years Must have container to store it in thatwill last that long. Currently most radioactive nuclearwaste is stored onsite in hugeconcrete vaults underground. A site at Yucca Mtn, Nevada is beingdeveloped to house all nuclearwaste Many people do not want waste traveling thru their towns to Nevada New containers have been developed to prevent risk of nuclear waste accidents during travel. Do you think it is safe to store all radioactive waste in one location? 8. Site must be Away from people Away from watersource Geologically stable-no earthquakes Asof April 2011, government funding for Yucca Mtn facility has been suspended. 9. When the chain reactiongets so out of control itcauses an explosion Worst nuclear accidentwas in 1986 in Chernobylin the Ukraine. Workers turned off safetyMutated tree.devices to conduct anNotice theunauthorized test. inner part of Entire city evacuated the limbs are To this day very highgreen (beforeradioactive levels in thearea.explosion) & outer parts Caused human, animal, &plant mutations as well as are blue (afternumerous types of cancer.explosion) 10. 2new nuclear powerplants have beenapproved forGeorgia. Located south ofAugusta 11. Nuclear fusion-combining of nuclei tomake heavier atom andreleases large amountsof energy. Same energy as in sun& stars Safer only b/c lessdangerous radioactivebyproducts Technology notdeveloped yet toharness power safely.