What is nuclear fission?
Splitting an atom into smaller pieces, releasing energy.
What is nuclear fusion?
Combining smaller atoms into larger ones, releasing energy.
Define control rods.
Materials that absorb neutrons to control nuclear chain reactions.
What is radioactive waste?
Waste containing radioactive materials, dangerous for thousands of years.
What is Uranium-235?
A radioactive isotope of uranium used as fuel in nuclear reactors.
Define thermal pollution.
The degradation of water quality by any process that changes ambient water temperature.
How can deep geological storage help manage radioactive waste?
Isolates waste in stable geological formations, preventing environmental contamination.
What are the steps of nuclear fission in a power plant?
Neutron hits U-235, atom splits, heat is released, water boils, steam turns turbine, electricity is generated.
What is the process for handling nuclear waste?
Spent fuel is cooled, stored on-site (pools or dry casks), awaiting permanent disposal (geological repository).
