Nuclear Disasters #3 Fukashima Daiichi

When did the the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster take place?

March 11, 2011

Where did the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster take place?

Japan

What caused the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to explode?

An earthquake caused a tsunami that flooded the power plant and destroyed the cooling systems, which caused it to overheat.

True or False: The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant exposure did not cause any real damage.

False

The tsunami caused a complete power failure at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant which prevented scientists from tracking critical values regarding the operation of the power plant. How did scientists on site eventually retrieve that critical data?

They used batteries from their own cars to restore some power to the plant.

What was the biggest fear surrounding the loss of power at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant?

The lack of power reduced the plant's cooling system. Because the reactor could not cool properly there was a fear that the radioactive steam that was being generated would eventually cause the containment vessel surrounding the reactor to explode releasing the radioactive material into the air.

True or False: Radioactive material was slowly and deliberately released into the atmosphere in Fukushima to slow the potential impact of a nuclear power plant explosion.

True

How did the pilot know that some of the water went onto the exposed rods? 

he saw steam as the water cooled the rods

What event that occurred within Japan previously cause the Japanese to fear the impact of radioactive material?

The bombing of Hiroshima during World War II.

What does it mean to "vent" the reactors?

It means to open them in a controlled manner to allow the release of the contents inside.

True or False: The workers that were sent in to vent the nuclear reactor were working in safe conditions and allowed to complete their job irregardless of the time it took.

False

True or False: The venting was successful in completely cooling the reactors preventing the further release of any additional radioactive material.

False

Why did the workers flee?

because they didn't want to get sick

because they were afraid

because the radiation levels were so high

If the workers left, how much worse would the meltdown be?

Tens of times

Why did they want the fuel rods to be covered in water?

If they dry out, they would catch fire and spread even more contamination.

What was finally done to prevent anymore damage from the powerplant?

Pipelines were installed to the fuel pools to constantly provide water