Nuclear Energy Study Guide
(Chapter 15 Section 5)
Be able to define isotope. Be able to explain that different ratios of protons to neutrons in the nucleus
of an atom may be either stable or unstable (radioactive). Be able to define nuclear fission. Understand
that energy is released in the process.
Be able to define half-life. Be able to calculate the fraction of an isotope that will remain, given the halflife of the radioactive isotope. Be able to explain the shape of a graph of time versus percentage of a
radioactive isotope remaining.
Be able to define alpha particles, beta particles and gamma rays. For gamma rays, be able to explain
where it falls on the electromagnetic spectrum (relative frequency, energy and wavelength). Be able to
explain which type of ionizing radiation can be blocked by a sheet of paper, by a piece of wood and
which can only be blocked by thick concrete or lead. Be able to define ionizing radiation. Be able to
explain the effect of distance on radiation intensity (know basic relationship and shape of graph).
Know the primary sources of radiation for human exposure and what the typical annual dose is for
Americans. Know the shape of the graph for distance from source vs. radiation.
Be able to define nuclear chain reaction. Be able to name the 2 main isotopes used for nuclear power.
Be able to describe the basic process of producing electricity in a nuclear power plant. Know the key
parts of a nuclear power plant
Know about the major nuclear power plant accidents (Fukushima Dai-chi in Japan, Three Mile Island in
the US and Chernobyl in the former Soviet Union) and issues of nuclear weapons production at Hanford.
Know the Price-Anderson Act.—see attached sheet
Know about current usage of nuclear power. Who gets the highest percentage of electricity from
nuclear power? Who produces the largest amount of electricity from nuclear power? Who produces
the most waste from nuclear power? What is the history of nuclear power production in the US?
Be able to explain the difference between short-term and long-term radioactive nuclear waste and the
issues with storage of each. Know what countries like France are doing to reprocess waste and the
limitations and dangers of this approach.
Be able to explain the issues surrounding the Yucca Mountain Repository, including the controversies
behind the site selection, the advantages and disadvantages of having a large scale repository for most
of the countries’ nuclear waste and considerations for site selection.
Be able to explain the advantages and disadvantages of nuclear power.
Be able to define nuclear fusion. Be able to explain where nuclear fusion occurs and possibilities for
fusion as a future energy source.