Guided Notes for Topics 6.6 - 6.8

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NAME: ___________________________________ PERIOD: _____ DATE: ________ APES 2324 – Guided Notes 6.6 Nuclear Power 1. Sketch a diagram of a nuclear reactor and label all parts. Moderator Rod Fuel Rod Control Rod Steel chamber Concrete chamber 2. According to the Slide Set, explain how electrical generation by nuclear power similar to that with fossil fuels. Both nuclear power and fossil fuels are non renewable sources since their primary fuel source is uranium and fossilized organic matter. The environmental and economic challenges associated with their extraction, production, and waste management highlight the need for transitioning to more sustainable and renewable energy sources. 3. Describe the role of fuel rods in nuclear powered electrical generation. Fuel rods play a crucial role in nuclear powered electrical generation. Nuclear reactors use a process called nuclear fission to produce heat which produces steam and then drives turbines to generate electricity. 4. Describe the role of control rods in nuclear powered electrical generation. Control rods in a nuclear power plant provide a means of regulating and controlling the nuclear reactions within the reactor core. Their strategic insertion or withdrawl helps manage reactor power, stabilize temperatures, facilitate shutdowns, and contribute to the safety of nuclear powered electrical generation. 5. Explain why nuclear power plants (for electrical generation) are always located near large bodies of water. Nuclear reactors generate a significant amount of heat through the process of nuclear fission. This heat must be removed to maintain safe operating temperatures. Water is used for this purpose since it is an excellent coolant. Generator Turbine Heat exchanger Condenser

NAME: ___________________________________ PERIOD: _____ DATE: ________ 6. Describe the role of cooling towers in nuclear powered electrical generation. Cooling towers play a big role by providing a means to dissipate excess heat from the reactor and associated systems. They are useful in locations where access to large bodies is limited. 7. Describe two advantages of nuclear power. One significant advantage is its ability to generate electricity with low greenhouse gas emissions. Nuclear energy has an exceptionally high energy density. 8. Describe four disadvantages of nuclear power. One of the most significant challenges of nuclear power is the generation of radioactive waste during the nuclear fission process. This waste remains hazardous for thousands of years and requires secure, long-term storage solutions. Nuclear accidents, though rare, can have severe consequences. Events like the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 and the Fukushima Daiichi accident in 2011 highlighted the potential for catastrophic accidents in nuclear power plants. The spread of nuclear technology poses risks of nuclear proliferation, where countries or entities could use nuclear materials or technology for military purposes. The construction of nuclear power plants involves substantial upfront costs and long planning and construction periods. The complexity of nuclear technology, stringent safety regulations, and public opposition can contribute to delays and cost overruns. 9. Identify how many nuclear power plants are operational in the US. There are 56 operational power plants in the United States. 10. Identify the names and locations of nuclear power plants in Florida. There is one called Crystal River Coal and Nuclear Power Plant located at 15485 W Power Line St, Crystal River, FL. The second one is the St. Lucie Nuclear Power Plant located at 6501 S Ocean Dr, Jensen Beach, FL, 24957 11. Assume that you have 180g of a radioactive substance. This substance has a pH of 7.2, temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, a half-life of 265 years, and a density of 19.05 g/cm3. After 1,325 years, calculate what mass remains of the radioactive substance. N = 180g x (1/2)^(1325/265) N = 180g x (1/2)^5 N = 180 g x 1/32 N = 5.625 g

NAME: ___________________________________ PERIOD: _____ DATE: ________ 12. Identify and describe one letter in the diagram that is common to both nuclear and fossil fuel electricity production. C 13. Identify and describe one letter in the diagram that is found ONLY in nuclear power plants. D 14. Describe what happened in each of the 3 major nuclear accidents. The TMI accident occurred at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania. It was caused by a combination of mechanical failure as well as human error. The Chernobyl disaster is considered the worst nuclear accident. The accident was caused by a combination of design flaws and human errors. The Fukushima Daiichi Accident was triggered by a massive earthquake and tsunami that led to a loss of power and cooling systems at the plant. This resulted in multiple reactor meltdowns. 15. A number of US electric companies have filed applications with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for permits to build new nuclear power plants to meet future electricity demand. A) Describe one environmental benefit of generating electricity from nuclear energy rather than coal or natural gas. One environmental benefit is the significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions.

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NAME: ___________________________________ PERIOD: _____ DATE: ________ Nuclear power plants produce electricity through nuclear fission, which does not release carbon dioxide or other green house gases. B) One concern of using nuclear energy for electricity production is the risk of a nuclear accident. a. Describe one nuclear accident that has occurred that contributes to widespread concern about the safety of nuclear power plants. One nuclear accident that has contributed to widespread concern about the safety of nuclear power plants is the Chernobyl disaster. This is considered to be one of the most catastrophic nuclear accidents ever seen before. b. Other than a risk of a nuclear accident, describe one environmental disadvantage of using nuclear energy for electricity generation. One disadvantage of using nuclear energy for electricity generation is the production of radioactive waste. Nuclear power plants generate radioactive waste materials such as uranium mill tailings, spent reactor fuel, and other radioactive byproducts C) Describe one way humans store radioactive waste so radiation is not released into the environment. Humans store radioactive waste to prevent the release of radiation into the environment using deep geological disposal D) One proposed solution to nuclear waste storage was the Yucca Mountain storage plan. Identify one advantage and one disadvantage of this solution. One advantage of the Yucca Mountain storage plan is its optimal arid climate for nuclear waste storage. One disadvantage of the Yucca Mountain storage plan is the unresolved scientific issues relative to the suitability of the site. 6.7 Energy from Biomass 16. Describe 2 advantages of burning biomass for heat and energy. Biomass is renewable and contributes to a closed carbon cycle when burned. 17. Describe 2 disadvantages of burning biomass for heat and energy. Biomass combustion can produce air pollutants, and large scale production may lead to land use concerns.

NAME: ___________________________________ PERIOD: _____ DATE: ________ 18. Describe why biomass is used for heating in some countries. Biomass is utilized for heating due to its local availability, cost effectiveness, and alignment with sustainability goals. 19. Explain why biodiesel fuels have a different effect on atmospheric carbon levels than fossil fuels do. Biodiesel’s carbon comes from recent carbon cycle while fossil fuels release old and ancient carbon. 20. Describe TWO environmental benefits of using algae for biofuel production, rather than corn, palm oil, or sugarcane. Algae biofuel production reduced land use and demonstrates high rates of photosynthesis. 21. Describe the source and usage of biofuels in the US. Biofuels primarily come from corn and soybeans blended with fossil fuels for transportation to reduce emissions. 22. Provide your reasoning for answering the following question: “Should the US switch from corn-based biodiesel to palm oil based biodiesel?” the choice should consider factors like land use and local environmental impacts. 23. Describe the differences in biodiesel and fossil fuels in terms of atmospheric CO2 concentrations. Biofuel releases recently absorbed carbon, maintaining a closed carbon cycle, while fossil fuels release ancient carbon. 6.8 Solar Energy 24. Describe two applications of passive solar energy and why it is considered passive solar energy. Application 1: Application 2:

NAME: ___________________________________ PERIOD: _____ DATE: ________ 25. Describe two (2) applications of active solar energy. 1. Passive Solar Heating in Homes 2. Trombe Walls for Space Heating 26. Describe how the applications in #25 utilize solar energy in different ways. 27. Complete the following table: Energy Type Advantages Disadvantages Pollutant and GHGs Cost per kWh Oil / gasoline Oil and gasoline have high energy densities meaning they can store a significant amount of energy in small volume. This makes them efficient for transportation and portable energy use Oil and gasoline are nonrenewable resources meaning they are finite and will eventually run out. As extraction becomes more challenging and costly the availability of these resources may decline leading to increased fuel costs. Carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, particulate matter, sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides 10 cents per kWh Coal Coal is one of the most plentiful and least expensive fossil fuels making it readily available for energy production. Burning coal releases carbon dioxide a greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change and global warming. Coal combustion is a significant source of carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to climate change and global warming. Coal fired power plants are responsible for a large portion of co2 emissions associated with electricity generation. Additionally, burning coal releases other pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and particulate matter which can have adverse effects on air quality and human health. $0.055 usd per kWh Natural Gas Natural gas is one of the most abundant fossil fuels and is readily available in many regions. It is Although natural gas emits fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants compared to other fossil fuels it While natural gas combustion produces lower levels of greenhouse gas emissions and $0.08

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NAME: ___________________________________ PERIOD: _____ DATE: ________ considered a reliable and accessible energy source. still contributes to carbon dioxide emissions when burned. Methane a potent greenhouse gas can also be released during the extraction and transportation of natural gas. pollutants compared to coal and oil it still contributes to carbon dioxide emissions when burned. Methane can be released during the extraction and transportation of natural gas. However, the overall emissions from natural gas are lower compared to other fossil fuels. Nuclear Energy Produces very low greenhouse gas emissions during electricity generation. It does not emit carbon dioxide or other air pollutants that contribute to climate change and air pollution Produces radioactive waste that needs to be properly managed and stored for long periods. The disposal of nuclear waste poses challenges in terms of safety security and public acceptance Considered clean energy source because it produces very low greenhouse gas emissions during electricity generation. Unlike fossil fuels nuclear power plants do not emit carbon dioxide or other air pollutants that contribute to climate change $0.19 Biomass Energy A renewable source of energy that is always available. Organic materials used to produce biomass such as garbage wood and manure are infinite and consistently produced by society. Production can be expensive expecially when considering the costs of feedstock collection transportation and conversion processes. Biomass and biofuels are alternative energy sources to fossil fues. Burning either fossil fuels or biomass releases carbon dioxide. However the plants that are a source of biomass for energy capture almost the same amount of co2 through photosynthesis while growing as is released when biomass is burned which can make biomass a carbon neutral energy source. $0.15 Solar Energy A renewable energy source derived from the sun. as long as the sun continues to shine solar energy can be harnessed to generate electricity. This makes solar energy sustainable and environmentally friendly option Dependent on sunlight which means it is not available 24/7. It is affected by factors such as weather conditions time of day, season. This can be mitigated through energy storage systems or grid integration but it adds complexity and cost to the overall system Considered clean energy source as it produces minimal greenhouse has emissions during electricity generation. The process of converting sunlight into electricity using solar panels does not release any harmful pollutants or greenhouse gasses into the atmosphere. 3 to 10kWh Hydroelectric While hydroelectric generators themselves While hydroelectric generators themselves Hydroelectric dams can produce significant $0.85

NAME: ___________________________________ PERIOD: _____ DATE: ________ do not release emissions into the atmosphere making it clean and green energy source do not directly emit air pollutants the construction and operation of dams and reservoirs can have environentsl consequences. Like changes to landscape, land use, and natural habitats in the dam area. amounts of carbon dioxide and methane. In some cases hydroelectric dams can produce more of these greenhouse gases than power plants running on fossil fuels. 28. Describe three different methods of generating hydroelectricity. 1. Impoundment Facility: Involves the construction of a dam to control the flow of water stored in a pool or reservoir. When more energy is needed, water is released and water flows down through a turbine. The spinning blades power the generator 2. Diversion Facility: The natural flow of a river or body of water is altered by using a dam. The water is redirected through a canal or penstock which leads to a turbine. The turbine spins generating electricity. 3. Pumped storage: This involves two reservoirs at different elevations. During periods of low electricity demand, excess electricity is used to pump water from lower reservoir to the upper.