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Environmental Science: A Study of Interrelationships, 8/e
Eldon Enger, Delta College
Bradley F. Smith, Western Washington University

Nuclear Energy: Benefits and Risks

Chapter Objectives

After reading this chapter, you should be able to:

Explain how nuclear fission has the potential to provide large amounts of energy.

Describe how a nuclear reactor produces electricity.

Describe the basic types of nuclear reactors.

Explain the steps involved in the nuclear fuel cycle.

List concerns regarding the use of nuclear power.

Explain the problem of decommissioning a nuclear plant.

Describe how high-level radiation waste is stored.

Describe the accident at Chernobyl.

Explain how a breeder reactor differs from other nuclear reactors.

List the technical problems associated with the design and operation of a liquid metal fast-breeder reactor.

Explain the process of fusion.