Use the scenario to answer the question.

Question

Two students in the debate club are preparing arguments for and against the use of nuclear energy. Each student will have five minutes to present an argument based on scientific evidence.

The student who supports the use of nuclear energy is considered a proponent of nuclear energy.

The student who does not support the use of nuclear energy is considered an opponent of nuclear energy.

The proponent presents his argument first. His argument is based on the following key points.

Nuclear energy does not emit any greenhouse gases.
Nuclear energy does not contribute to global warming.
Next, the opponent presents his argument.

Which pair of key points is the opponent most likely to use in his argument against the use of nuclear energy?

(1 point)
Responses

Nuclear energy creates acid fog and clouds.
Nuclear waste in the air harms trees.
Nuclear energy creates acid fog and clouds. Nuclear waste in the air harms trees.

Nuclear energy contaminates local water supplies.
Nuclear energy impacts climate change.
Nuclear energy contaminates local water supplies. Nuclear energy impacts climate change.

There is no safe place or method to store nuclear waste.
Nuclear energy creates waste that remains dangerously radioactive for thousands of years.
There is no safe place or method to store nuclear waste. Nuclear energy creates waste that remains dangerously radioactive for thousands of years.

Nuclear energy is not a renewable resource.
Nuclear energy releases gases into the atmosphere that deplete the ozone layer.
Nuclear energy is not a renewable resource. Nuclear energy releases gases into the atmosphere that deplete the ozone layer.

Answer 1

The opponent of nuclear energy is most likely to use the following key points in his argument against the use of nuclear energy:

There is no safe place or method to store nuclear waste. Nuclear energy creates waste that remains dangerously radioactive for thousands of years.

These points address the long-term risks associated with nuclear energy and the challenges of managing nuclear waste, which are central concerns for those opposing its use.