Energy from nuclear energy

Why are very high temperatures and pressures required for fusion to occur?

• to generate the neutrons that are needed to break the nuclei

• to overcome the repulsion between the protons in the nuclei that join

• to maintain the proper conditions to keep the chain reaction going

• to keep the uranium fuel separate from the control rods

Which is the best location for storing radioactive wastes?

• in the sand of a remote island

• in chambers carved into the rock of a mountain

• in the lava tubes of an active volcano

• in natural caverns formed by the action of a river

What is the main reason why many nuclear power plants are located near bodies of water?

• to wash wastes out of the power plant

• to be close to shipping lanes for frequent fuel delivery

• to have easy access to a coolant for the reactor

• to avoid problems with water supply during a drought

How does the Sun release nuclear energy?

• through the fusion of a uranium nucleus into smaller nuclei

• through the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into a heavier nucleus

• through the fission of a uranium nucleus into smaller nuclei

• through the fission of hydrogen nuclei into a heavier nucleus

Improvements in which area would help reduce the possibility of damage to the environment when using uranium as a fuel?

• more-efficient extraction techniques

• better control of fusion reactions

• stronger-pumping wells

• thicker shielding around the reactor

Which feature of nuclear fission reactions allows these reactions to take place in a chain reaction?

• Thermal energy is released and heats up the reactants.

• More smaller atoms form that can undergo fission.

• A larger atom is formed, which can then be split.

• Neutrons start the reaction and are released during it.

Which is a concern about mining for uranium?

• Heated water could be released into the environment.

• Dust released in the air could be radioactive.

• Supplies could become low during a drought.

• It is too commonly found, and mines could be too plentiful.

What is the correct order of energy conversions associated with a power plant that uses nuclear fission reactions?

• thermal to nuclear to mechanical to electrical

• thermal to nuclear to mechanical to electrical

• nuclear to mechanical to electrical to thermal

• nuclear to thermal to mechanical to electrical

In which situations is nuclear power most beneficial? Check all that apply.

• if there is a high concentration of people

• if there is a nearby supplies of fossil fuels

• if there is an isolated location

• if there are few other energy resources

• if there are few people in scattered towns

Because of the costs involved in maintaining high temperatures and pressure, nuclear _________ is not yet a practical method for generating electrical energy.