Chapter 20 Nuclear Energy and the Environment

Nuclear Energy –The energy of the atomic nucleus Nuclear Fission –The splitting of the atomic nuclei Nuclear Fusion –The fusing of atomic nuclei Nuclear Reactors –Devises that produce controlled nuclear fission

Fission Reactors As fission occurs, energy is released. Major components of a fission reactor: Core, control rods, coolant, reactor vessel Burner Reactors: a type of nuclear reactor that consumes more fissionable material than it produces Meltdown: a nuclear accident in which the nuclear fuel forms a molten mass that breaches the containment of the reactor, contaminating the outside environment with radioactivity.

Sustainability and Nuclear Power Nuclear Radiation occurs when when a radioisotope spontaneously undergoes radioactive decay and changes into another isotope 3 types of nuclear radiation: Alpha, Beta, Gamma Breeder Reactor: –a type of nuclear reactor that utilizes between 40-70% of its nuclear fuel and converts fertile nuclei to fissile nuclei faster than the rate of fission –Produces nuclear fuels

Nuclear Energy and the Environment Nuclear Fuel Cycle: –the process involved in producing nuclear power from the mining and processing of uranium to controlled fission, the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel, the decommissioning of power plants and the disposal of radioactive waste –Each part of the cycle is associated with different potential environmental problems

Effects of Radioisotopes Radioisotope: an isotope of a chemical element that spontaneously undergoes radioactive decay Effect Environment in 2 Ways –Emitting radiation –Entering ecological food chains

Nuclear Power Plant Accidents Three Mile Island Chernobyl

Radioactive Waste Management Low-Level Radioactive Waste –Waste materials that contain sufficiently low concentrations or quantities of radioactivity so as not to present a significant environment hazard if properly handled Transuranic Waste –Radioactive waste consisting of human-made radioactive elements heavier than uranium –Contaminated clothing rags, tools, etc. High-Level Radioactive Waste –Extremely toxic nuclear waste, such as spent fuel elements from commercial reactors. –How do we dispose of this waste material?