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France produces most of its electricity using nuclear sources, such as uranium - Junior Cycle Science - Question h - 2015
Question h
France produces most of its electricity using nuclear sources, such as uranium. (i) Are nuclear energy sources considered to be renewable or non-renewable sources o... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:France produces most of its electricity using nuclear sources, such as uranium - Junior Cycle Science - Question h - 2015
Step 1
Are nuclear energy sources considered to be renewable or non-renewable sources of energy? Explain your answer.
Answer
Nuclear energy sources are considered to be non-renewable. This is because the fuel used in nuclear reactors, such as uranium, is finite and gets used up during the nuclear fission process. Once it is used, it cannot be replenished or reused in the same manner, as it undergoes a transformation into different elements and isotopes after fission. Additionally, the mining and processing of uranium resources is limited and not sustainable in the long term.
Step 2
State one advantage of producing electricity using nuclear energy sources.
Answer
One advantage of producing electricity using nuclear energy sources is that they are very efficient fuels. A small amount of nuclear fuel can produce a large amount of energy, which helps in reducing the overall need for large fuel quantities. Moreover, nuclear power generation results in lower carbon emissions compared to fossil fuel sources, contributing to a decrease in air pollution and climate change impacts.