alpha radiation 216
beta radiation 216
boiling-water reactor (BWR) 218
decommissioning 229
fissionable 217
gamma radiation 216
gas-cooled reactor (GCR) 219
heavy-water reactor (HWR) 218
light-water reactor (LWR) 218 		liquid metal fast-breeder reactor
      (LMFBR) 222
moderator 217
nuclear breeder reactor 222
nuclear chain reaction 217
nuclear fission 217
nuclear fusion 222
nuclear reactor 217
plutonium-239 (Pu-239) 222
pressurized-water reactor (PWR) 218 		radiation 216
radioactive 216
radioactive half-life 216
rem 227
thermal pollution 228
transuranic waste 230
uranium-235 (U-235) 217

On-line Flashcards
      Is it an answer to the worldwide nuclear waste disposal problem? Moscow Proposes to Import Waste Plutonium from other countries to earn much-needed revenue. Critics are quick to point out the safety issues of this option. Check out this recent story for the pros and cons of the proposal.
      The safety of operating nuclear power plants is an environmental issue that has led to a worldwide decrease in the use of nuclear reactor plants. See why hot summers are a potential safety hazard in Heat Wave Threatens Nuclear Power Plants.
      Safety is also an issue with decommissioned and obsolete military machinery. Right now Russia is faced with decommissioning old nuclear-powered submarines because they are deteriorating and are a potential source of radioactive accidents. Currently, Russia does not have the money to complete this expensive job. 		      Take a look at Deteriorating Submarine Fleet Threatens Nuclear Contamination in Arctic Seas for the entire story and why other neighboring countries are willing to help with the cleanup.
      One positive spin-off to the world's worst nuclear accident is the development of a wildlife refuge in the Chernobyl region. Check out Wildlife Take Refuge in Chernobyl's Wasteland to see why endangered species are returning and establishing populations in this region.
      Just in case you didn't see the refresher of atoms, electrons, protons, and neutrons, check out the Atom animation.
Review Questions
  1. How does a nuclear power plant generate electricity?
  2. Name the steps in the nuclear fuel cycle.
  3. What is a rem?
  4. What is a nuclear chain reaction?
  5. How will nuclear fuel supplies, the cost of decommissioning facilities, and storage and ultimate disposal of nuclear wastes influence the nuclear power industry?
  6. What happened at Chernobyl, and why did it happen?

  1. Describe a boiling-water reactor, and explain how it works.
  2. How is plutonium-239 produced in a breeder reactor?
  3. Why is plutonium-239 considered dangerous?
  4. Why is fusion not currently being used as a source of energy?
  5. What are the major environmental problems associated with the use of nuclear power?
  6. List three environmental problems associated with the construction and subsequent de-emphasis of nuclear weapons.
Critical Thinking Questions
  1. Recent concerns about global warming have begun to revive the nuclear industry in the United States. Do you think nuclear power should be used instead of coal for generating electricity? Why?
  2. Why has nuclear power not become the power source that is "too cheap to meter," as foreseen by President Eisenhower?
  3. Should there be international regulations concerning nuclear power plants, their operation, and decommissioning? Who should be responsible for developing these regulations? What kinds of regulations, if any, would you like to see?
  4. Disposal of radioactive wastes is a big problem for the nuclear energy industry. What are some of the things that need to be evaluated when considering nuclear waste disposal? What criteria would you use to judge whether a storage proposal is adequate?
  1. Nuclear weapons testing has released nuclear radiation into the environment. These tests have always been justified as necessary for national security. Do you agree? What are the risks? What are the benefits?
  2. If your electric utility were to build a nuclear power reactor in your area, what kind would you advise them to build? Why?
  3. Some states allow consumers to choose an electric supplier. Would you choose an alternative to nuclear or coal even if it cost more?