Samantha Agoos

DEAP 2015

Unit: Atomic Structure Unit 3

Essential Questions:

What role does nuclear power play in meeting our society’s energy needs? How can we use scientific

knowledge to address real world energy challenges?

Previous Lessons within Unit 3:

Prior to this lesson, students complete an inquiry-based simulation using Phet online software from UC

Boulder to interact with novel concepts of atomic and nuclear structure. Students also interpret

experimental data to develop an accurate conception of how the atomic model was developed over time

by consolidating evidence from multiple studies. Finally, students examine trends in nuclear stability as

well as mechanisms of nuclear decay.

Standards Assessed:

Indiana Science Process Skill

o Explain how scientific knowledge can be used to guide decisions on

environmental and social issues.

Indiana Literacy

o 11-12.RS.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in

diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to

address a question or solve a problem.

o 11-12.WS.6 Use technology, including the Internet, to produce, publish, and

update individual or shared writing products in response to ongoing feedback,

including new arguments or information.

Learning Targets:

SWBAT

Describe how scientific information influences public policy and perception regarding alternative

energy sources, specifically nuclear energy.

Analyze and interpret quantitative and qualitative data regarding nuclear power.

Create a digital infographic that illustrates nuclear power data and publish the product on a digital

social network.

Unit 3 Vocabulary:

Nucleus, proton, electron, neutron, Gold Foil, Plum Pudding, isotope, stability, beta decay, alpha decay,

gamma ray, nuclear reactor, chain reaction, fission, fusion

Activities:

Engage

o Introductory Video Clip: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/japan-preparing-to-reopen-

nuclear-power-plants/

o The purpose of the clip is to relate nuclear energy to real life. In the clip, students receive

an update regarding the nuclear reactor situation in Japan following the leakage of

hazardous waste into the environment. Ideally, students are motivated to participate in a

discussion regarding the next steps and fate of nuclear power in Japan and in the world.

Guiding Questions:

How did this accident happen?

Is this likely to happen again? Why or why not?

Samantha Agoos

DEAP 2015

Following the tsunami, why do you think the Japanese will be re-opening

the nuclear plant?

What does this indicate about the amount of energy that can be provided?

Was this accident avoidable? Why or why not?

What else do you know about nuclear power? (Transition to KWL)

Explore

o KWL: Research-based strategy that bridges student prior knowledge and experiences with

novel content. This approach also encourages students to explore their own personal

curiosities.

o Jigsaw Literacy Activity: Students split into three expert groups, complete a reading and

comprehension questions. Then, individuals return to their home group to teach other

group members the material they became experts about. Students will then work together

to analyze nuclear data via graphing and answer an open-ended, exploratory question

citing evidence. Additionally, students reflect on any unanswered questions they may have

regarding nuclear power. Ideally, the reading, questions and discussion frontload the main

ideas and concepts that relate

Explain

o Using the Popcorn reading method, a representative from each group share their response

to the open-ended question as well as any reflections about what they still want to learn

about nuclear power.

o During this time, I am sure to listen closely for student misconceptions and/or inaccurate

representations of basic nuclear power principles. I also am sure to ask guiding questions

that encourage students to question their assumptions and provide evidence for their

claims.

Guiding questions:

o How do you know?

o What evidence do you have from the reading?

o Does any one else have a different perspective?

Extend and Evaluate

o Remaining questions about nuclear power will provide a basis for student groups to further

explore nuclear power.

Guiding Question: What do you still want to learn?

o Once students have defined a specific question to research and investigate, they will create

a digital infographic that visually conveys data to address their question. Students are

required to publish their infographic to Canvas or an appropriate social networking page,

like the Facebook group called, “Alternative Energy.”

Supports include:

Assessment prompt with requirements list

Powerpoint with infographic examples and best practice guidelines

Assessment specific rubric

Feedback from formative teacher-student consultation

Accommodations:

Additional time, proximity seating, one-on-one check for understanding of concepts and

directions, checking assignment notebooks for next steps in project

Samantha Agoos

DEAP 2015

Implementation Plan with resources (supplies and estimated cost)

Projector with visual and audio to play video clip

Paper for copies of handouts and readings (16 pages per group)

At least one computer with Internet access per group

1 pair of Headphones for Podcast listening per group

Citations:

Aronson, E. (1978). The jigsaw classroom. Sage.

Burgess, J. (2013). 10 Pros and Cons of Nuclear Power.

CDC Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. (2011-13). [Illustration of obese adults in US.]

CalorieLab. Retrieved from: http://calorielab.com/news/wp-images/post-images/fattest-states

2014-big.jpg.

Chan, David. (2009). Nuclear Energy Curriculum – Radioactivity iLab: Nuclear Energy Podcast.

Retrieved from:

http://ilabcentral.org/radioactivity/nuclearenergy/Science_American_Podcast_Activity.pdf.

Dusch, Lonnie. (2013). Chapter 18 – Nuclear Chemistry: How a Nuclear Power Plant Works. Retrieved

from: http://www.princeton.k12.oh.us/files/1557/nuclear%20power%20article%20organizer.pdf.

Dusch, Lonnie. (2013). Chapter 18 – Nuclear Chemistry: Nuclear Power Article Organizer. Retrieved

from: http://www.princeton.k12.oh.us/files/1557/nuclear%20power%20article%20organizer.pdf.

Environmental Protection Agency & Energy Information Administration. (2015). [Data table of

Emissions Avoided by the US Nuclear Industry May 2015]. Nuclear Energy Institute. Retrieved

from: http://www.nei.org/Knowledge-Center/Nuclear-Statistics/Environment-Emissions-

Prevented/Emissions-Avoided-by-the-US-Nuclear-Industry.

European Union. (2013). [Graphic of tax evasion in Europe.] European Parliament. Retrieved from:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/european_parliament/8890720300.

International Networks Archive. (2003). [Graphic illustration of the flow of fast food.] Retrieved from:

http://www.princeton.edu/~ina/infographics/starbucks.html.

Japan preparing to reopen nuclear power plants. [Video File]. (2014, September 21). Retrieved from:

http://www.cbsnews.com/news/japan-preparing-to-reopen-nuclear-power-plants/

Marshall, B., & Lamb, R. (2000, October 9). How Nuclear Power Works. Retrieved June 22, 2015.

Mind Development & Design LLC. (2012). [Graphic illustration of design principles.] Retrieved from:

https://www.minddevelopmentanddesign.com/blog/killing-you-softly-with-website-content/.

Mirsky, Steve & Moniz, Ernest. (2006, September 13). Nuclear Energy’s Future. Scientific American

Podcast. Podcast retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/0006c5c9-

03d2-1507-83d283414b7f00ff/.

Samantha Agoos

DEAP 2015

Myers, et al. (2006). Chemistry. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, p. 655.

Nuclear Regulatory Commission. (2014). [Graphic flow chart of nuclear reactor safety.] Retrieved from:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nrcgov/14886645889/.

Ocampo, Marvi. (2011, November, 13). Tips in Designing Effective Infographics. Retrieved from:

http://naldzgraphics.net/tips/infographics-designing-tips/.

Ogle, D.M. (1986). K-W-L: A teaching model that develops active reading of expository text. Reading

Teacher, 39, 564-57

Patel, Neil. (2015, January). 12 Infographic Tips That You Wish You Knew Years Ago. Retrieved from:

https://blog.kissmetrics.com/12-infographic-tips/.

Peagler, Maria. 6 Elements of Social Media Strategy. [Graphic illustration of 6 social media strategies.]

Retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/socialmediaonlineclassescom/6164107921.

Richards, R., alsosalt.com, foodfactssuite101.com, annecollins.com. (2010). [Graphic of salt content in

food.] Salt Mountains. Retrieved from: http://www.fastcompany.com/1616950/infographic-day

mountains-salt-processed-food.

Rucker, Julian. (2012) [Graph illustration of abandoned Detroit.] The Abandoned City. Retrieved from:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/98007087@N00/6852686422.

Sacks. (2010). Tennis Top 20. [Graphic of most popular tennis racquets for professional players.] ATP

World Tour 2010. Retreived from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/29071316@N06/4457329095.

Schnaars. (2009). [Alphabet Illustration.] Retrieved from:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/schnaars/3978316556.

Schrock, Kathleen. (2012). Infographic rubric. Retrieved from:

http://kathyschrock.net/pdf/Schrock_infographic_rubric.pdf.

SLO County Bicycle Coalition. (2011). [Graph illustration of Car/Bike Crashes.] Retrieved from:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/slobikelane/5598222425.

Trulia. (2010). [Graphic that conveys what happens when people are unable to pay their mortgage.]

Retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/truliavisuals/5241592552.

United Kingdom Department for Culture, Media and Sports. (2013). [Graphic timeline of marriage

history.] Retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/thedcms/8262056756.

United States Department of Agriculture. (2014). [Graphic flow chart of healthy food choices.] Healthy

Incentives Pilot. Retrieved from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov/15274556930.

United States Department of Agriculture. (2013). [Graphic illustration of the flow of food from farm to

school.] Bringing the Farm to School: Growing Healthy Children & Communities. Retrieved

from: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usdagov/10410338223.

Name ___________________________________________ Period _______________ Honors Chemistry Unit 3 Atomic Theory and the Nucleus - Nuclear Energy in Society Essential Question: What role does nuclear power play in meeting our society’s energy needs?

Part 1 Directions: Individually complete the KWL below.

What do you KNOW about

nuclear energy?

After watching the clip and

skimming the articles, what do you

WANT to know about nuclear

power?

As you read and discuss the

articles, what do you LEARN

about nuclear power?

Part 2 Directions: In this Jigsaw activity, each group member is assigned a segment of material to learn and

then teach to group members. Once the reading segments are assigned, all students will leave their jigsaw group

and join create a three person expert group. All the people in your expert group MUST be assigned the same

reading segment. After you read, discuss the article and answer the associated questions in your expert group,

you will return to your jigsaw group and teach the members your segment. NOTE: Each individual must

complete all questions.

Segment A: Myers, et al. (2006). Chemistry. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart and Winston. Completed by ________________________________________

1. In the table below to summarize the steps of the energy transfer from a nuclear reactor. To serve as an

example, I have completed the first step for you.

Step Energy Transfer

1. Splitting of Uranium nuclear bonds Nuclear to Thermal

2.

3.

4.

5.

2. Is fission or fusion occurring in the nuclear reactor? What is the difference between fission and fusion?

Name ___________________________________________ Period _______________ Honors Chemistry Unit 3 Atomic Theory and the Nucleus - Nuclear Energy in Society

3. Within the nuclear reactor, how do the control rods work? In your own words, relate the function of the

control rods to the flow of energy through the system.

Segment B: Burgess, J. (2013). 10 Pros and Cons of Nuclear Power. Completed by ________________________________________

4. List three advantages of nuclear power. Rank the advantages from most important to least important,

using 1 as most important and three as least important.

5. List three disadvantages of nuclear power. Rank the disadvantages from most important to least

important, using 1 as most important and three as least important.

6. What is proliferation? Is that a valid concern? Use evidence to support your answer.

7. Are there safety risks involved with nuclear power? What about potential threats to the eco-system? Are

these valid concerns? Use evidence to support your answer.

Segment C:

Navigate to http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/episode/0006c5c9-03d2-1507-83d283414b7f00ff/. Listen to the first 9 minutes of the Podcast. Be sure to plug-in headphones.

Completed by ________________________________________

8. What are the major challenges to enable nuclear power to be a significant contributor in the US?

9. Why is nuclear energy suddenly being looked at with more scrutiny?

Name ___________________________________________ Period _______________ Honors Chemistry Unit 3 Atomic Theory and the Nucleus - Nuclear Energy in Society

10. Why are many utilities becoming interested in nuclear power?

11. How has the attitude about nuclear changed in the last 10 years?

Part 3 Directions: The following conclusion questions will require true collaboration between group members

because success requires each individual group member discuss, evaluate and synthesize responses.

12. a. Study the data set below. Construct a graph that conveys the relationship between the year and the

Carbon Dioxide emissions avoided. Note: Don’t forget TRAILS.

Name ___________________________________________ Period _______________ Honors Chemistry Unit 3 Atomic Theory and the Nucleus - Nuclear Energy in Society

b. Using the data set from part a, along with class readings and the news clip, respond to the question below in

bold.

Your response:

must include the specific criteria your group used to analyze this issue.

Your respond must also include at least three pieces of evidence. Evidence includes quotes,

paraphrasing or statistics.

Your response does NOT have to be the same as your group members’. In fact, your response

SHOULD NOT match your group members’ responses.

Question: As a renewable energy source, is nuclear power a valid alternative to non-renewable energy

sources like fossil fuels?

Name ___________________________________________ Period _______________ Honors Chemistry Unit 3 Atomic Theory and the Nucleus - Nuclear Energy in Society

13. Examine the “What I want to know,” column of the KWL from Part 1 of this activity. What are your

remaining questions regarding nuclear power? What about unresolved questions that arose during your

group discussion?

Nuclear Energy Infographic Project

Name ___________________________________________ Period _______________ Honors Chemistry Unit 3 Atomic Theory and the Nucleus - Nuclear Energy in Society Essential Question: What role does nuclear power play in meeting our energy needs?

Directions: In your group of three, you will work together to create a digital infographic that conveys at least 3

statistics or facts about nuclear power. Then, you will publish your completed work onto our class forum page

in Canvas and your favorite online social network. For tips on completing an infographic, see the electronic

Powerpoint with examples along with assignment requirements and rubric (see below).

Teacher Consult (Required):

To take place once your group has completed the Jigsaw activity, reviewed the Powerpoint, and

researched/chosen a specific nuclear power question to address.

In the space below, summarize the question that your group hopes to answer with the infographic.

You may not begin to construct your infographic until Ms. A has signed off that you have completed

this Consult.

Have Ms. A sign off once you have completed this Consult:

Requirements for Final infographic:

A specific topic with a relevant title

Your group must choose from the following list of free web-based software offerings to construct your

digital infographic

o Visualize.me

o Piktochart

o Easel.ly

o Infogr.am

o Visual.ly

o Venngage

o Online Chart Tools or Hohli Online Charts Builder

Your infographic must convey at least five relevant and accurate facts in either a table, graph or other

relevant data visualization

Citations for facts and data

Incorporate one of the five infographic formats/types described in the Powerpoint

The final version of your infographic must be published online to Canvas or a relevant social network

like the Facebook group called “Alternative Energy. ” Note: all MCCSC internet guidelines apply.

Each group member must complete a self-evaluation of their contribution and performance

Be creative!

For greater details, study the below rubric

Rubric:

Name ___________________________________________ Period _______________ Honors Chemistry Unit 3 Atomic Theory and the Nucleus - Nuclear Energy in Society

Total: / 50

Name ___________________________________________ Period _______________ Honors Chemistry Unit 3 Atomic Theory and the Nucleus - Nuclear Energy in Society Self-Assessment of Group Work

Name: ____________________

Date: ____________________

Project: ____________________

Members of my group:

____________________

____________________

Please rank yourself based on your contributions to the group. Circle the number that best describes your work.

5 = Always 4 = Almost Always 3 = Sometimes 2 = Once or Twice 1 = Never

I complete my tasks on time. 5 4 3 2 1

I contributed ideas to the group. 5 4 3 2 1

I listened respectfully to the ideas of others. 5 4 3 2 1

I used other people’s ideas in my work for the project. 5 4 3 2 1

When I was stuck, I sought help from my group. 5 4 3 2 1

Additional Comments:

How a Nuclear Power Plant Works

Name ___________________

Inside a Nuclear Power Plant:

(1) As shown in the figure above, water in the reactor core is heated by the energy released from the controlled fission of uranium-235. In a nuclear reactor, represented in the figure above, the fuel rods (green) are surrounded by liquid water (blue). The fuel rods (uranium) will undergo fission, which means they will split into two smaller nuclei and give off energy. The water surrounding the fuel rods absorb the energy given off by the fuel rods. The control rods (brown) are used to make sure the nuclear reaction does not go to fast. These rods absorb some of the free neutrons produced by fission. Moving these rods into and out of the reactor can control the number of neutrons that are available to continue the chain reaction. Chain reactions that occur in reactors can be very dangerous if they are not controlled. An example of the danger that nuclear reactors can create is the accident that happened at the Chernobyl reactor in the Ukraine in 1986. This accident occurred when technicians briefly removed most of the reactor’s control rods during a safety test. However, most nuclear reactors have mechanisms that can prevent most accidents. (2) The heated water then passes through the primary water circuit into the (3) steam generator where it is changed from hot water into steam (red). (4) The steam pushes/rotates the wheels of a turbine (orange) (5) which are connected to an electric generator(yellow). Electricity is created in the electric generator when wires are moved through a magnetic field. The steam then passes into a condenser and is cooled by water in the cooling tower. The cooled water then returns to the reactor core where it goes through the process again.

Myers, et al. Chemistry. Austin, TX: Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2006. 655

Coloring

Fuel rods (4 of them) = green

Water around fuel rods = blue

Control rods (3 of them) = brown

Water in steam generator = red

Turbine = orange

Electric generator = yellow

10 Pros and Cons of Nuclear Power

By Joanna Burgess

The idea of an atom began with the Greek philosopher Democritus, who proclaimed all matter consisted of tiny particles. He called them ''atomos,'' the Greek word for ''invisible.'' He couldn't prove they existed but centuries later other scientists did. That discovery heralded the nuclear power movement, which has been sparking controversy and debate ever since.

Proponents maintain that nuclear power is an economical, safe and clean form of energy. Critics cite industry disasters, problems of nuclear waste and links to chronic and sometimes fatal diseases. Massive anti-nuclear protests occurred throughout the '70s and '80s and have continued on a smaller scale into the 21st century. It is impossible for an issue of this magnitude to be cut and dried. Persuasive arguments can be made in favor of or against nuclear power. Here's s a list of 10 pros and cons that might help you navigate the debate.

Image Credit: AP Photo/George Widman

10. Environmental Impact

There is no energy source that is 100 percent clean, but let's examine what nuclear power has going for it. Unlike fossil fuel plants, which spew tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere each year, nuclear power plants don't produce smoke. Electricity is created by splitting atoms in a series of nuclear reactions, otherwise known as nuclear fission. The iconic images of white plumes rising from cooling towers show nothing more than steam. Nuclear power is considered carbon-free and produces more electricity than other renewables like solar and wind.

Nuclear power is less clean before and after generating electricity. Nuclear power requires uranium, which must be mined and transported to power plants. The vast majority of the uranium used in the United States is imported [source: Energy Justice Network]. Then there is the significant issue of radioactive waste, which isn't biodegradable and is extremely dangerous. Most plants store nuclear waste in steel-lined concrete basins filled with water, where it remains radioactive for thousands of years.

9. Support

The support for nuclear power ebbs and flows. There are 438 nuclear power plants operating in 2010. Another 61 plants are under construction [source: European Nuclear Society]. Many governments, including France and the United States, have embraced it, investing billions of dollars in the industry. In 2010 the U.S. Approved $55 billion in taxpayer-backed loans [source: Rogers]. While its use as a clean energy source is on the rise, the reality is that actual growth has been somewhat sluggish. In the United States, the last order for a new plant was placed in the 1970's [source: Energy Information Administration]. This is attributed to public concerns over health, environmental worries and fears about the security of nuclear facilities.

8. Cost-effectiveness

The pro and con arguments over the cost and the economics of nuclear power are difficult to untangle. Ask 20 different experts and you will get 20 different answers.

Proponents of nuclear power often measure its economic prowess in kilowatts. Nuclear power plants produce more kilowatts than coal, wind or solar for fewer cents. As more plants are built, it's expected that construction costs will come down, making the price of nuclear-generated electricity that much more attractive [source:

World Nuclear Association]. With construction comes jobs, something few could make a case against in the current economic climate.

Critics argue that the cost benefits aren't so clear-cut. While the electricity seems cheaper up front, the exorbitant costs of building and maintaining plants must be added into the equation -- something industry experts rarely do. Long-term storage of nuclear waste is expensive and dangerous. Next, add the expense of finding and retaining skilled labor. When it's all said and done, the claim that nuclear power is more cost effective than alternatives like wind, solar or even coal becomes a little more cloudy [source: ProCon].

7. Economics in Developing Nations

Millions of people in poorer countries have limited access to reliable sources of electricity. Up steps nuclear power to center stage. For starters, developing countries with nuclear power plants wouldn't have to rely on expensive fossil fuels that emit large volumes of carbon dioxide. Second, global interest in investing in nuclear power is high, providing the potential to pump money into emerging economies and create jobs. Proponents also maintain that many safety issues are solved using newer reactor technologies, reducing the likelihood of accidents [source: SciDev].

The economics arguments only go so far with critics. Many believe the push for nuclear power in developing nations has to do with money, not altruistic intentions. Blanket assumptions that expanding programs would boost economies and solve energy poverty doesn't account for each country's specific needs; issues like power grids, skilled labor and strong government policies differ among governments. Exorbitant construction costs may exceed a country's credit limit, pushing it deeper into debt [source: Bennett]. Developing nations will have to enforce strict safety standards and grapple with waste management. Concerns that radical governments might develop nuclear weapons runs deep [source: SciDev].

6. Proliferation

The idea that a weapon could be made from stolen nuclear materials is ingrained into public consciousness. In theory, plants that enrich uranium for power could also be used to enrich it for bombs. Those that reprocess spent fuel (separating plutonium from uranium) could make stealing plutonium easier.

The hiccup in this theory is feasibility. A ''dirty bomb'' can be built with a relatively small amount of radioactive material but it would be incredibly difficult to obtain it from a nuclear power plant. A tremendous amount of money would be needed for training, bribes at borders and transportation. Detection is another issue. Lead shielding in a truck is required for uranium to slip through security detectors. Plutonium is much easier to detect even with a leaded lining [source: Rivero and Stanton]. In addition, heightened security awareness has tightened access to power plants.

The feasibility argument doesn't sway everyone. The expansion of nuclear power means that more plants would be reprocessing. This would increase the amount of available plutonium. Commercial plants have large stores of radioactive waste and keeping track of it is difficult. This contributes to the threat of theft or sabotage. Critics point to inadequate security regulations against terrorist attacks by aircraft, boats or trucks [source: Union of Concerned Scientists].

5. Reprocessing

Some scientists and industry experts look towards Integral Fast Reactors (IFR) as the solution to the problem of nuclear waste. In these plants, uranium and plutonium are separated or reprocessed, and the spent fuel is then used to power the reactor. Reprocessing doesn't eliminate nuclear waste but it does reduce both its volume and toxicity. In theory the waste has a much shorter half-life -- hundreds rather than thousands of years. Safety measures include a ''passive system'' that doesn't require a human operator to shut down operations in the case of malfunction [source: McCutcheon].

Skeptics of reprocessing maintain that IFRs and similar technologies are ''old nuclear wine in a new bottle.'' The time spent and extraordinary cost of building these types of plants will negate the benefits of any energy production, and nuclear waste is still nuclear waste, no matter how you slice it. The fact is plants are running out of storage room. The federal government is required by law to accept used reactor fuel, and the 2,000 tons of spent fuel produced each year put enormous stains on storage capabilities. In 2009 the Kewaunee nuclear power plant resorted to storing waste on its grounds close to Lake Michigan [source: Content].

4. Safety

Consumer confidence is key when marketing nuclear power as safe. The 1979 partial meltdown of a reactor at Three Mile Island and the Chernobyl disaster in 1986 gave critics explicit examples of the instability of nuclear power plants.

Proponents of nuclear power are steadfast in the belief that modern nuclear power plants pose no safety risk and are in fact safer than coal-burning plants. In the U.S. nuclear reactors are contained in concrete structures with walls four feet thick [Totty]. Three Mile Island and Chernobyl (which did not have concrete containment structures) were the only major accidents in ''14,000 cumulative reactor-years of commercial operation in 32 countries'' [World Nuclear Association]. However, this doesn't mean that accidents don't happen. Instances of radioactive water leeching into the ground have occurred. In one case, several million gallons of contaminated water reached drinking wells [Union of Concerned Scientists].

3. Impact on Wildlife

All forms of energy production impact the environment on some level. What are nuclear power's stats? Let's start by looking at an example of land usage. To generate the equivalent of a 1,000-megawatt plant, a single wind farm would require approximately 150,000 to 180,000 acres (61,000 to 73,000 hectares) of land; a solar photovoltaic park would use 54,000 acres (22,000 hectares). By comparison, a typical nuclear power plant uses 200-400 acres (81-162 hectares) [source: NEI]. However, the issue of waste might negate the land argument. Toxic by-products may make it impossible to reuse surrounding land when a plant is decommissioned.

Nuclear power plants also use large volumes of water for heating and cooling. One square mile (2.6 square kilometers) of water 14 feet (4.2 meters) deep goes through a typical two-unit reactor every day [source: Energy Justice Network]. Nuclear plants use preventative measures like stationary screens to prevent adult fish from being sucked into cooling water systems. But these don't help microscopic plankton, and larger animals like sea turtles and seals can become trapped against filters and drown [source: Energy Justice Network]. After-bays or cooling canals are used to minimize thermal pollution (heated water) from being discharged into surrounding bodies of water [source: NEI], but these systems don't filter heavy metals and salts [source: EPA].

2. Health

The link between nuclear power and disease is complex. Hundreds of studies have been conducted. Their conflicting results make it difficult to separate fact from fiction, agendas from politics.

There's no debate that exposure to radiation can kill. But the connection between cancer and those living in the vicinity of nuclear power plants is arguable. Based on their studies, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission found no significant increase in cancer rates among adults and children residing in the 107 counties near nuclear facilities [source: NEI]. In 1990, the National Cancer Institute also reported a lack of data correlation between cancer and proximity to nuclear power plants [source: Berr]. Critics of these studies maintain there have been documented clusters of breast cancer and childhood leukemia near nuclear facilities. According to the Energy Justice Network, 268 counties within 50 miles of nuclear reactors had breast cancer death rates 10 times the national average [source: EJN].

1. The Fight Against Global warming

As heat waves, raging forest fires and devastating hurricanes become the norm, it's crystal clear that a solution to global warming must be found, and found fast. Is nuclear power the shining star? It all depends on whom you ask. One of the main arguments against nuclear energy is time. Plants take upwards of ten years to build but global warming is happening now. It won't wait around for new nuclear power plants to appear on the scene [Hertsgarrd]. Proponents argue that the amount of energy a nuclear power plant generates far outweighs the timeline issue. Megawatt for megawatt, it produces more clean energy than wind or solar once it's up and running.

The argument that nuclear power plants are more reliable is often cited. They aren't dependent on wind or sun to produce electricity. What isn't mentioned is their dependence upon is uranium. There is not an infinite supply of it and once it's gone, it's gone for good.

For more information on nuclear politics, policies and how it all works, visit the links on the next page.

Source - http://dsc.discovery.com/tv-shows/curiosity/topics/10-pros-cons-nuclear-power.htm