PART B

Question

In 2015, only 9% of the electricity used in the U. S. was generated from nuclear power. What are some of the costs associated with using nuclear power instead of traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels? All BUT ONE would be considered a cost.
Responses

A The potential of nuclear disasters and radioactive incidents such as the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.The potential of nuclear disasters and radioactive incidents such as the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.

B Nuclear power plants can work with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power when they are not available. Nuclear power plants can work with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power when they are not available.

C The nuclear fission reaction is able to produce cheap electricity but also dangerous radioactive waste that is hard and expensive to dispose.The nuclear fission reaction is able to produce cheap electricity but also dangerous radioactive waste that is hard and expensive to dispose.

D Uranium and plutonium are finite sources of energy. With the current level of consumption in the nuclear power plants uranium will run out in eighty years.

Answer 1

The response that would not be considered a cost associated with using nuclear power instead of traditional energy sources such as fossil fuels is:

B Nuclear power plants can work with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power when they are not available.

This statement describes a potential benefit of nuclear power rather than a cost. The other options (A, C, and D) highlight risks, waste disposal issues, and resource limitations associated with nuclear energy, which are all considered costs in comparison to traditional energy sources.