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Nuclear Energy

Nuclear Energy. Kayla and Herb. How Does It Work?. The process starts by splitting the molecular bonds of unstable elements (like Uranium and plutonium ), which releases energy that heats and boils the water. “Control rods” control the amount of heat produced.

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Nuclear Energy

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  1. Nuclear Energy Kayla and Herb

  2. How Does It Work? • The process starts by splitting the molecular bonds of unstable elements (like Uranium and plutonium), which releases energy that heats and boils the water. • “Control rods” control the amount of heat produced. • The extremely hot water (over 500 degrees F) produces steam, which spins the turbine in the electric generator, creating electricity. • Last, the steam cools, condenses back to water, and goes through the process again.

  3. What is Nuclear energy best suited to do? • It is the use of sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity • Nuclear power is a sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions.

  4. How Realistic Is Nuclear Energy? • The U.S. is the world’s largest producer of nuclear power, accounting for more than 30% of worldwide nuclear generation of electricity. • The U.S. has 104 nuclear power reactors in 31 states, operated by 30 different power companies • The country's 104 nuclear reactors produced 807 billion kWh in 2010, over 20% of total electrical output. • Government policy changes since the late 1990s have helped pave the way for significant growth in nuclear capacity. Government and industry are working closely on approval for construction and new plant designs. • There are 69 pressurized water reactors (PWRs), and 35 boiling water reactors (BWRs) in the U.S.

  5. Will We Use It In The Future? • There are plans to build more plants, due to the many advantages of nuclear energy. • However, these future reactors may not be built due to the growing popularity and demand of natural gas. • In fact, there may only be four new reactors built by the year 2020.

  6. Pros & Cons of Nuclear Energy Pros: -Does not emit pollutants (clean energy). -Decreases dependency on foreign fuel and energy, as there is an abundance of uranium in the U.S. -Will be available longer than fossil fuels. -Much safer to people than coal plants. No deaths or serious injuries have occurred from radiation or accidents in American nuclear power plants. Cons: -Uranium mining leaves the residues from chemical processing of the ore, which leads to radon exposure to the public. -Meltodowns: when the reactors overheat. Although they are rare, accidents can be fatal. -General radiation from plants can cause more cases of cancer, although the increase in radiation exposure may not be enough to actually harm human health. -Waste disposal: it takes thousands of years for uranium byproducts to lose its radioactive value, and there is limited space to store it. Transport of the waste can be extremely dangerous as well, if the containment vessels are compromised.

  7. Quiz? • 1.What is the last step in the nuclear process? • 2. How many pressurized water reactors are there in the U.S.? • 3.How many new reactors are expected to be built by 2020? • 4.List one Pro and one Con for nuclear energy

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