BASICS ON NUCLEAR ENERGY

Fission- Is a process where uranium atoms are split!

  • Fission releases energy that is turned into steam which is used to turn a turbine to generate electricity.

  • 19% of the united states energy comes from Nuclear energy

  • 100 nuclear generating plants are operating

  • No new nuclear plants have been built since 1996


What Is Uranium?

Uranium is- a radioactive metal.

  • Uranium is extacted from an opit-pit or underground mines. After mining the uranium ore is sent to a processing plant and turned into useful fuel, (Uranium oxide pellets) they oxide pellets are infused with neutrons which create heat. The heat is used to make steam to turn a turbine.

  • The uranium enrich process creates radioactive waste

Environmental impacts!!

Effects on air:

  • Carbon dioxide

  • Solfur dioxide

  • nitrogen oxides


Effects on water:

  • The nuclear power plant removes water from rivers, streams, or lakes, and there is a medal build up, Both the removal of water and medal build up effect aquatic life

Radioactive waste storage:

  • All the power plants in the USA create 2,000 metric tons of radioactive waste each year

  • The storage of radioactiv waste can destroy the natural habitats of animals