Question

(a) What are the advantages of nuclear energy?
(b) State the disadvantages of nuclear energy?

Answer 1

(a) The advantages of nuclear energy are given below.
1. In the production of nuclear energy, gases such as carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide are not produced. So, it does not contribute to the greenhouse effect or acid rain.
2. There is no need for putting in nuclear fuel again and again, because once the fuel is loaded into the reactor, the nuclear power plant can go on producing electricity for two to three years at a stretch.

(b) The disadvantages of nuclear energy are given below.
1. The waste products are radioactive, and they keep on emitting harmful radiations.
2. The availability of fuel is limited.
3. There is the risk of accidents in nuclear reactors, which may lead to the leakage of radioactive materials, causing serious damage to all living things.