Lesson 10a - Nuclear Power

Question 1

How does a nuclear plant provide energy?

Answer 1

Generates electricity
Uranium fission generates heat

Question 2

What are the 2 types of action taken to deal with nuclear waste?

Answer 2

Reprocess - Extract nuclear fuel
Dispose - Encase in glass underground

Question 3

Why is nuclear waste a concern?

Answer 3

Contamination risk
Long half life
Sustainable storage

Question 4

Which factors are considered when examining a potential waste storage site?

Answer 4

Geology
Land availability
Unemployment
Transport links
Local pressure groups
Technology

Question 5

What are the concerns regarding nuclear waste storage?

Answer 5

Noise pollution
Short + long term health + safety
Water contamination
Farming implications
Tourism
Accident potential

Question 6

Why do nuclear projects incur large costs?

Answer 6

Capital investment
Insurance
Decommissioning costs
Waste disposal

Question 7

How may nuclear costs balance out in the long run?

Answer 7

High initial investment
Low relative fuel costs
Cost does not fluctuate with uranium

Question 8

How has the relative cost of nuclear power fallen recently?

Answer 8

Finite FF prices rising
Cost of CO2 emissions
Environmental tariffs