We've been studying Nuclear energy for the past week or so. We have explored how a nuclear reactor works. We have compared nuclear energy to burning coal both in the impact on the environment in obtaining the ore, the release of radioactivity (yes, the burning of coal releases radioactive isotopes), and the energy required to feed the power plant with fuel (coal or uranium). We've also discussed the issues of dealing with nuclear waste (no we can't blast it off into the sun; think $$$). Several of you have had really good questions about possible uses for nuclear waste.
If you still wonder how a nuclear power plant works, here are a couple of videos to view.
So what's the plan for all that radioactive waste? Here's a site that explains everything you wanted to know about Yucca Mountain, and maybe some stuff you didn't want to know.
http://www.ocrwm.doe.gov/ym_repository/index.shtml
Kyle, you wondered about the use of radioactive waste.
http://www.pollutionissues.com/Pl-Re/Radioactive-Waste.html
This article does a good job addressing those issues.
And what about the future of nuclear power in the US? http://web.mit.edu/nuclearpower/
Next: Alternative Energy
6 comments:
I found this to be very beneficial!
I enjoyed the videos :D
Good job terrific teacher!! :)
I thought it was very interesting to find out that mountains have to be payed for. Also that not all states are required to pay for them. Who knew mountains could be so expensive :D
-Ashley V.
I thought it was so fascinating how the steam powers the turbine creating energy, condensed back to liquid and the process starts all over again.
I liked this video the mosest..it was cute! ^^
great job Mrs. Withers(:
oh. and that was me! :D
julia
I had no idea that the nuclular waste lasted that long. I think this is very helpful, and all of your students will like using it!
Nick C
I have to admit Mrs. Withers, I am somewhat disappointed that there is no productive use for nuclear waste. It is good, however that some countries reprocess the waste in order to recover usable fuel. Thanks for your article, and answer to my question.
Post a Comment