Question

What are the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power? Check all that apply.

One advantage of nuclear energy is that it does not produce carbon dioxide emissions.

Storage of nuclear waste is a short-term problem associated with nuclear energy.

The problem with uranium mining is that a large quantity of uranium must be extracted to meet energy needs because the energy release from uranium fission is so low.

Safe operation of a nuclear power plant can be jeopardized by a human mistake.

Answer 1

Applicable: statements 1 and 4.

- One advantage of nuclear energy is that it does not produce carbon dioxide emissions. ✅
- True for electricity generation — operational CO2 emissions are very low (life‑cycle emissions are small compared with fossil fuels).

- Storage of nuclear waste is a short-term problem associated with nuclear energy. ❌
- False — high‑level radioactive waste requires long‑term management (decades to millennia), so it’s a long‑term issue.

- The problem with uranium mining is that a large quantity of uranium must be extracted to meet energy needs because the energy release from uranium fission is so low. ❌
- False — fission releases a very large amount of energy per mass of fuel; the issues with mining are environmental, health, and resource/ore‑quality concerns, not low energy yield.

- Safe operation of a nuclear power plant can be jeopardized by a human mistake. ✅
- True — human error (along with design faults, equipment failure, or external events) can compromise safety, which is why strict procedures and multiple safety systems are used.