Nuclear Energy Review

A series of flashcards summarizing key facts about nuclear energy, its processes, and important statistics.

What percentage of the world's electricity is generated by nuclear energy?

10.4% of the world's electricity is generated by nuclear energy.

When was the Wolf Creek Generating Station established?

The Wolf Creek Generating Station has been operational since 1985.

What is the generating capacity of the Wolf Creek Generating Station?

The Wolf Creek Generating Station generates about 1,200 MW of electricity.

How many operational nuclear plants are there in the US?

There are 96 operational nuclear plants in the United States.

What is the main drawback of nuclear energy according to the lecture?

Nuclear waste is the main drawback of nuclear energy.

What are the three processes through which nuclear energy is released?

Nuclear energy is released through radioactive decay, fission, and fusion.

In 2020, how many countries produced at least one-quarter of their electricity from nuclear?

In 2020, 13 countries produced at least one-quarter of their total electricity from nuclear energy.

What is binding energy in the context of nuclear physics?

Binding energy is the energy required to split the nucleus of an atom into its component parts.

How does nuclear fission occur?

Nuclear fission occurs when the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, such as lighter nuclei or isotopes.

What controls the chain reaction in a nuclear reactor?

The arrangement of fuel/control rods and the quality of the moderator control the chain reaction in a nuclear reactor.