Question

Nuclear power is a nonrenewable energy resource. It is used to provide 20 percent of the electricity in the United States. How is nuclear energy harnessed to produce electricity, and what are two limitations of securing uranium?

Answer 1

Nuclear energy is produced by the fission of uranium atoms in nuclear power plants, where the heat generated from this fission is used to create steam that drives turbines to generate electricity. However, uranium is a nonrenewable resource with environmental and political challenges associated with its extraction and use.

Step-by-step explanation:

Nuclear power plants harness energy through a process called nuclear fission. This occurs when atoms of uranium, typically U-235, are split into smaller parts, releasing significant amounts of energy. This energy is initially in the form of heat, which is then used to produce steam. The steam drives turbines connected to generators, creating electricity without the direct emission of carbon dioxide. Despite being a major source of energy, uranium has two notable limitations. Firstly, uranium is a nonrenewable resource; it exists in finite quantities in nature and is consumed faster than it is formed. Secondly, mining and refining uranium present environmental challenges and geopolitical concerns given its uneven global distribution.

Answer 2

A nuclear reactor converts into electricity the heat produced by the fission of uranium nuclei. This electricity production can be adjusted according to demand. During normal operation, nuclear reactors are quite environmentally friendly, particularly with regard to greenhouse gases. Since the 1950s, reactors have evolved into “generations”, learning from the rare accidents to enhance their safety and robustness. Radioactive waste is produced in limited volumes, which allows for its containment in the very long term, but its management remains controversial.