Chapter 27. Chapter 27: Nuclear Power
What problems are associated with the production of nuclear fuel...?
Guiding Question 27.4
What problems are associated with the production of nuclear fuel and the disposal of nuclear waste?
Why You Should Care
Fuel pellets are collected into uranium fuel rods that last less than two years in a typical reactor: The chain reactions speed up the radioactive decay until there are too few isotopes remaining to release enough energy to be efficient. At this point, the biggest problem with nuclear power comes out—the still radioactive fuel rods must be removed and stored as high-level radioactive waste (HLRW). While there may not be enough radioactivity for the reactor, there is still enough radioactivity to harm life. Where can this waste be stored long term?
Test Your Vocabulary
is any material that has a slight level of radiation (ore and mining wastes).
is any material that has a serious level of radiation (fuel rods and waste materials).
1.
Which step of nuclear fuel production creates radioactive waste rock?
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| B. |
| C. |
| D. |
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