Nuclear Energy and its Applications

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What is nuclear energy?

Nuclear energy is the energy released during nuclear fission or fusion, notably used for electricity generation.

What is a nuclear power plant?

A nuclear power plant is a facility that uses nuclear reactors to generate electricity by harnessing nuclear energy.

What are the two types of nuclear reactors commonly used?

The two types are pressurized water reactors (PWR) and boiling water reactors (BWR).

How does a nuclear power plant generate electricity?

A nuclear power plant heats water to produce steam, which drives turbine generators to produce electricity.

What are the advantages of nuclear energy?

Nuclear energy is efficient, produces a large amount of energy with a small amount of fuel, and emits low amounts of greenhouse gases.

What are the disadvantages of nuclear energy?

Disadvantages include the risk of accidents, disposal of radioactive waste, and high initial costs.

What was the impact of the Chernobyl disaster?

The Chernobyl disaster released large amounts of radioactive material, leading to severe environmental and health impacts.

How is nuclear waste managed?

Nuclear waste is managed through storage, either temporarily on-site or in long-term repository facilities.

What is a breeder reactor?

A breeder reactor generates more fissile material than it consumes, extending the supply of nuclear fuel.

Why is nuclear energy considered a low-carbon energy source?

Nuclear energy produces minimal greenhouse gas emissions during operation, aiding in combating climate change.

What are small modular reactors (SMRs)?

SMRs are nuclear reactors of smaller size and capacity, designed for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety.

What role does nuclear energy play in desalination?

Nuclear energy can be used to power desalination plants, providing freshwater by removing salt from seawater.

What is nuclear medicine?

Nuclear medicine uses radioactive substances for diagnosis and treatment of diseases, such as in PET scans and cancer therapy.

What is a tokamak?

A tokamak is a device designed to confine hot plasma with magnetic fields for nuclear fusion research.

How does public perception influence nuclear energy development?

Public perception, often shaped by safety concerns and environmental risks, influences policy and development of nuclear energy.