Environmental Science 15th Edition by Scott Spoolman,Tyler Miller

Exercise 7

What is the key concept for this section? How does a nuclear fission reactor work and what are its major safety features? Describe the nuclear fuel cycle. Explain how highly radioactive spent fuel rods are stored and what risks this presents. How has the United States dealt with the nuclear waste problem? What can we do with worn-out nuclear power plants? Summarize the arguments over whether or not the widespread use of nuclear power could help to slow projected climate change during this century. Summarize the arguments of experts who disagree over the future of nuclear power. What is the relationship between nuclear power plants and the spread of nuclear weapons? What are five criteria that any new design for a nuclear power plant should meet, according to some analysts? Describe the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident and its effects on the environment. What is nuclear fusion and what is its potential as an energy resource?