5.03 Nuclear Energy

AP Environmental Science

How is nuclear power generated through fission?

By splitting uranium-235 or plutonium-239 nuclei to release heat, which produces steam to turn turbines

How is nuclear power generated through fusion?

By fusing small nuclei (like hydrogen) under extreme heat and prefer to release energy; currently experimental

What are the advantages of nuclear energy ?

Low greenhouse gases emissions, high energy output, reliable power source, and low fuel usuage

What are the disadvantages of nuclear energy?

Radioactive waste, risk of accidents, high cots, nuclear proliferation, and limited uranium supply

What is half-life?

The time it takes fr half of a radioactive and requires secure storage

what happened at Three Mile Island?

Partial meltdown in 1979 due to mechanical failure and human error; led to stricter U.S. regulations

What happened at Chernobyl?

1986 reactor explosion cause by design flaws and operator error; major radiation release and health impacts

What happened at Fukushima?

2011 tsunami disabled cooling systems, causing partial meltdowns and radiation leaks; emphasized disaster planning

What is Yucca Mountain known for?

Proposed nuclear waste storage sit in Nevada; faced political and public resistance, remains unused