Ch En 310

Reading Questions for Class 10

From Boyle et al., Chapter 9

Topic: How Does Nuclear Power Work?

(I enjoyed reading this chapter. I hope that you will enjoy reading this chapter as well.)

1. Give a tutorial on the three types of radiative particle emission.

2. Describe the nuclear fission process, using ²³⁵₉₂U as an example.

3. What does a moderator do, and why is it important?

4. Please discuss how major safety issues are dealt with in plant operation.

5. Give an overview of the different types of reactor designs.

6. Discuss methods for enriching uranium.

7. Discuss reprocessing, and why the U.S. has refused to do it.

8. Lead a discussion about disposal of nuclear wastes.

9. Give a tutorial on the nuclear fusion process, along with current world efforts in this area.

You should be familiar with the following terms:

Light water, heavy water, enrichment, critical mass, half-life,

activity, chain reaction, plutonium,

You should be familiar with the following units:

MeV, curie, Bq,

Write a question that will help the next class better study an important

point in this chapter, or that will serve as a good discussion topic.