Nuclear fission

Question 1

Nuclear fission definition

Answer 1

The process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two smaller nuclei, releasing a large sum of energy.

Question 2

Nuclear fission advantages

Answer 2

• High energy output (large sums of energy from small energy input)
• Produce low greenhouse gas emissions
• Reliable & consistent (plants operate continuously & doesn’t rely on weather/sunlight)

Question 3

Nuclear fission disadvantages

Answer 3

• High amount of nuclear waste (must be stored for thousands of years)
• Very high initial costs
• Potential for devastating nuclear accidents (e.g. Chernobyl)