38. The Powerful Nuclear Energy

What is the primary source of nuclear energy as described in the essay?
1. The steam that turns a turbine
2. The splitting of an atom's nucleus
3. The burning of radioactive waste
4. 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?
1. Turbine turns → Steam is created → Fission occurs → Generator makes electricity
2. Fission creates heat → Water boils into steam → Steam turns a turbine → Generator makes electricity
3. Generator makes electricity → Water boils into steam → Heat is created → Turbine turns
4. Water boils into steam → Fission occurs → Turbine turns → Generator makes electricity
The essay states a major environmental advantage of nuclear energy is that it
1. is inexpensive to build and maintain.
2. produces waste that is safe after a few years.
3. does not release greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
4. uses the process of nuclear fusion.
What is identified as a significant risk associated with nuclear energy?
1. It requires atoms to be split, which is a dangerous process.
2. It produces radioactive waste that remains dangerous for a long time.
3. It cannot generate large amounts of electricity.
4. 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
1. proper uranium storage.
2. new nuclear fusion technologies.
3. more powerful fission reactors.
4. cheaper plant construction methods.