Using Energy Resources Quick Check
3 of 53 of 5 Items
Question
What is a major drawback of nuclear energy?(1 point)
Responses
creates radioactive waste
creates radioactive waste
depletes clean water supplies
depletes clean water supplies
erodes soil
erodes soil
increases air pollution
increases air pollution
creates radioactive waste
Which energy resource is a nonrenewable energy source?(1 point)
Responses
solar
solar
oil
oil
water
water
wind
oil
Use the scenario to answer the 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
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 contaminates local water supplies.
Nuclear energy impacts climate change.
Nuclear energy contaminates local water supplies. Nuclear energy impacts climate change.
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.
Nuclear energy creates acid fog and clouds.
Nuclear waste in the air harms trees.
There is no safe place or method to store nuclear waste. Nuclear energy creates waste that remains dangerously radioactive for thousands of years.
The major drawback of nuclear energy is that it creates radioactive waste.
To determine the major drawback of nuclear energy, you can review each response and evaluate its accuracy and relevance. Let's assess each response:
1. "Creates radioactive waste" - This response is correct. One major drawback of nuclear energy is the production of radioactive waste. Nuclear power plants produce radioactive waste that remains hazardous for thousands of years and requires careful handling and disposal.
2. "Depletes clean water supplies" - This response is not accurate. Nuclear energy production does not deplete clean water supplies as it does not rely on water as a primary resource for energy generation, unlike certain other forms of power generation such as hydroelectricity or thermal power plants.
3. "Erodes soil" - This response is not accurate. Nuclear energy production does not directly cause soil erosion; however, there might be indirect environmental consequences associated with uranium mining and extraction, which is a part of the nuclear fuel cycle.
4. "Increases air pollution" - This response is not accurate. Nuclear energy production does not contribute to air pollution since it does not emit greenhouse gases or pollutants directly during normal operation. However, there may be some emissions associated with other stages of the nuclear fuel cycle, such as uranium mining and transportation.
Based on the assessment, the major drawback of nuclear energy is that it creates radioactive waste.