Discussion Questions on Nuclear Energy and Radiation
Societal
1. Currently, nuclear energy provides only a small fraction (~10%) of energy used in
the United States. In some other places, like France, it is close to 80%. Do you
think nuclear energy will ever be a more widely used source of energy in the
United States? Why or why not?
2. Suppose there were a ballot proposition to allow Southern California Edison
Company to build a nuclear power plant in the desert halfway between Los
Angeles and Las Vegas. How would you encourage your friends to vote and
why?
3. What are some legitimate safety concerns with nuclear power plants?
Scientific/Technical
4. How is a nuclear change or reaction fundamentally different from a chemical
reaction?
5. Describe the three types of radiation that occur with nuclear changes. Which, if
any, involve actual particles being emitted from the nucleus? Which, if any,
involve high frequency  (gamma) radiation being emitted from the nucleus?
6. What type of nuclear radiation is the most dangerous? Suggest reasons why you
answered as you did?
7. What type of radiation is the black rock emitting? Suggest reasons for your
answer.
8. Is nuclear radiation always harmful, or are their good and helpful aspects of
nuclear radiation? Explain your answer.