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
