Final answer:
One advantage of nuclear energy is that it easily uses electricity to produce power. Nuclear power plants utilize nuclear fission to generate electricity, emitting no air pollutants and reducing financial costs associated with chronic health problems caused by pollutants. Another advantage is that uranium generates more power per unit weight or volume compared to coal, resulting in less environmental damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
One advantage of nuclear energy is that it easily uses electricity to produce power. Nuclear power plants use nuclear fission to generate electricity by splitting the atoms of uranium-235. This process not only emits heat and high energy radiation but also enough neutrons to maintain a chain reaction and provide energy to power a nuclear power plant. Unlike fossil fuel-fired power plants, nuclear power plants do not emit air pollutants, reducing the financial costs and health problems associated with chronic exposure to these pollutants.
Another significant advantage of nuclear energy over fossil fuels, especially coal, is that uranium generates far more power per unit weight or volume. This means that less uranium needs to be mined, resulting in less damage to the environment, particularly compared to the destructive impacts of coal mining activities such as mountaintop removal.
From a sustainability perspective, nuclear electricity has the advantage of producing no carbon emissions, which is crucial in mitigating anthropogenic climate change. However, it also presents challenges regarding the storage of dangerous nuclear waste and the risks of nuclear proliferation and accidental release of radiation. While nuclear energy offers the benefit of carbon-free electricity, it is essential to consider and manage these environmental and societal risks.