Nuclear Accidents

What is a nuclear accident?

An unintended event causing the release of radioactive materials with potential harm to people and the environment.

Name three major nuclear accidents in history.

Chernobyl (1986), Fukushima Daiichi (2011), Three Mile Island (1979).

What caused the Chernobyl accident?

A flawed reactor design combined with operator errors during a safety test.

What were the main consequences of the Chernobyl disaster?

Massive radioactive contamination, evacuation, long-term health effects like cancer, and exclusion zones.

How did the Fukushima accident occur?

A massive earthquake and tsunami disabled cooling systems, leading to reactor meltdowns.

What lessons were learned from Three Mile Island?

The importance of safety culture, better operator training, and improved reactor design.

How do nuclear accidents affect public perception of atomic energy?

They increase fear and opposition, often leading to policy changes or plant shutdowns.

What is a “meltdown” in a nuclear reactor?

When the reactor core overheats and nuclear fuel melts, releasing radiation.

How do nuclear plants try to prevent accidents?

With multiple safety systems, containment structures, and strict operational protocols.

What role does emergency preparedness play in nuclear accident response?

It ensures rapid evacuation and containment to minimize harm to people.