Nuclear & Renewable Energy Study Guide

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to nuclear and renewable energy.

Nuclear Fission

The process where a large, unstable atom (such as uranium‑235) splits into smaller atoms, releasing heat energy and neutrons.

Half-Life

The amount of time it takes for half of a radioactive substance to decay.

Advantages of Uranium Energy

Produces large amounts of energy from small amounts of fuel, low greenhouse gas emissions, and reliable, constant power output.

Disadvantages of Uranium Energy

Produces radioactive waste, risk of nuclear accidents, and expensive to build and decommission plants.

Three Mile Island (1979)

A partial meltdown in Pennsylvania due to equipment failure and human error, leading to major safety reforms in the U.S. nuclear industry.

Chernobyl (1986)

A nuclear accident caused by unsafe reactor design and disabled safety systems, resulting in massive radiation release and long-term health impacts.

Fukushima (2011)

A nuclear disaster triggered by a tsunami, leading to radiation release and long-term contamination concerns.

Reactor (Nuclear Power Plant)

Where nuclear fission occurs.

Fuel Rods

Contain uranium in a nuclear power plant.

Control Rods

Absorb neutrons to regulate the nuclear reaction.

Boiling Water Reactor (BWR)

A type of reactor where water boils inside the reactor and steam goes directly to the turbine.

Pressurized Water Reactor (PWR)

Keeps water under pressure so it doesn’t boil, transferring heat to a secondary loop to make steam.

Geothermal Energy

Uses Earth’s internal heat to produce steam that spins a turbine.

Solar PV Cells

Panels that convert sunlight directly into electricity.

Environmental Impact of Dams

Habitat loss, disruption of fish migration, flooding of land, and changes in river flow patterns.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells

React hydrogen with oxygen to produce electricity and water.

Passive Solar Design

Building design that utilizes sunlight for natural heating and cooling.

Geothermal Heat Exchange

Uses stable underground temperatures to absorb or release heat.

Advantages of Renewable Energy

Includes low emissions and the use of waste in biomass, among others.

Disadvantages of Renewable Energy

Includes land use concerns and the intermittent nature of sources like wind.