Nuclear/ Superpowers

Question 1

How is nuclear energy created?

Answer 1

The reaction is triggered; neutrons are fired at uranium atoms causing them to split and release more neutrons. The chain reaction them generates a huge amount of heat and water is passed through and heated by the chain reaction. The hot water does not evaporate due to the pipes its in and is passed through coolant pump to a steam generator where the heat from the pipes turns the water to steam. The steam passes through turbines and is transfered to electrical energy.

Question 2

Why is nuclear power sustainable?

Answer 2

• Doesn’t release carbon dioxide
• Doesn’t release any other greenhouse gasses
• Fuel efficient
• Low operating costs
• Resilient in extreme weather
• Job-intensive

Question 3

Why is nuclear power not sustainable?

Answer 3

• Releases huge amounts of radiocative material and there is nowhere to dispose of this
• Not a renuable fuel source
• Accidents could release tonnes of radiocativity into the atmsophere

Question 4

What were the impact of the chernobyl disaster?

Answer 4

• All surrounding natural environment destroyed
• 110,000 people evacuated
• Cancer in people and animals
• Radiation spread all the way to Portugal and Britain

Question 5

What is a superpower?

Answer 5

A superpower is an extremely powerful country, especially one capable of influencing international events an the acts and policies of less powerful countries. Its power can be felt all over the world.

Question 6

What are the seven most important super power nations?

Answer 6

• Brazil
• Uk
• US
• China
• France
• Russia
• India

Question 7

What are the main factors making a super power nation?

Answer 7

• Size- This is important as the larger the country is, the higher the population can be and the country can be more built-up
• Population- The higher the population, the more jobs can be done and therefore the country makes more money
• Resources- Countries can sell valuable resources as their main source of income
• Military power- Powerful militaries threaten other countries and defend the country from ever being invaded
• Economic power- money can be used to buy or invest in other forms of power to grow the superpower potential of a country
• Cultural (soft) power- Influences other countries and makes the superpower country more well known for brands, traditions etc.
• Political power

Question 8

Who are the emerging superpowers; What are their strengths and weaknesses?

Answer 8

Emerging powers are also known as BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
Strenths: Over 3.3 billion people live in the BRICS countries, including the world’s two most populous countries: India and China. Additionally, the four BRIC countries are among the seven largest by area and make up the 12 largest economies in the world
Weaknesses: The political and economic environments in the BRICS countries can be less stable than in more developed economies. They also have less cultural (soft) power than the superpowers such as the US and England.