Nuclear Energy Lecture Powerpoint
At its essence, the design of a nuclear reactor mirrors that of a fossil fuel power plant. Water is heated, converted to steam, and the force of that steam spins a giant turbine. However, instead of burning a carbon-based fuel, a chain reaction splitting the nucleus of uranium atoms is taking place. Uranium is much more energy-dense than fossil fuels and the fission reaction produces very little air pollution. However, nuclear accidents are among the most damaging singular events that have ever occured. This Powerpoint presentation will cover each of these topics, using Castle Bravo, Three Mile Island, and Chernobyl as case studies for the risks of this technology.
Essential concepts: Nonrenewable energy, uranium, U235, nuclear fission, nuclear reactor, nuclear waste, control rods, fuel rods, moderator, nuclear meltdown, Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, Castle Bravo, nuclear fallout, radiation sickness.
Test questions: Available for purchase at the environmental science instructor resources subscription page.
