38. The Powerful Nuclear Energy
What is the primary source of nuclear energy as described in the essay?
- The steam that turns a turbine
- The splitting of an atom's nucleus
- The burning of radioactive waste
- The fusion of hydrogen atoms
According to the essay, what is the sequence of events in a nuclear power plant that leads to electricity generation?
- Turbine turns → Steam is created → Fission occurs → Generator makes electricity
- Fission creates heat → Water boils into steam → Steam turns a turbine → Generator makes electricity
- Generator makes electricity → Water boils into steam → Heat is created → Turbine turns
- Water boils into steam → Fission occurs → Turbine turns → Generator makes electricity
The essay states a major environmental advantage of nuclear energy is that it
- is inexpensive to build and maintain.
- produces waste that is safe after a few years.
- does not release greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
- uses the process of nuclear fusion.
What is identified as a significant risk associated with nuclear energy?
- It requires atoms to be split, which is a dangerous process.
- It produces radioactive waste that remains dangerous for a long time.
- It cannot generate large amounts of electricity.
- The process of boiling water is inherently unreliable.
The essay suggests that the future of nuclear energy could become safer and cleaner through the development of
- proper uranium storage.
- new nuclear fusion technologies.
- more powerful fission reactors.
- cheaper plant construction methods.