nuclear energy
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20 terms
Terms | Definitions |
|---|---|
 nuclear energy | the energy released by a fission or fusion reaction; the binding energy of the atomic nucleus |
| fission | a nuclear reaction in which a massive nucleus splits into smaller nuclei with the simultaneous release of energy |
| fusion | the act of fusing (or melting) together |
| radioactive decay | the emission of energetic particles or rays from unstable atomic nuclei; includes positively charged alpha particles, negatively charged beta particles, and high energy, electromagnetic gamma rays |
| nuclear fuel cycle | The process involved in producing the fuel used in and disposing of radioactive wastes (also called nuclear wastes). |
| enrichment | The process by which uranium ore is refined after mining to increase the concentration of fissionable U-235 |
| nuclear reactor | a device that uses controlled-fission chain reactions to produce energy or radioactive nuclides |
| primary water circuit | heats water, using the energy produced by the fission reaction |
| secondary water circuit | converts water to steam after boiling it |
| tertiary water circuit | provides cool water to the condenser |
| reactor vessel | the part of a nuclear reactor where nuclear fission occurs |
| breeder nuclear fission | A type of nuclear fission in which nonfissionable U-238 is converted to fissionable P-239. |
| subsidies | a grant or contribution of money, especially one made by a government in support of an undertaking or the upkeep of a thing |
| spent fuel | The used fuel elements that were irradiated in a nuclear reactor. |
| low-level radioactive wastes | Any radioactive solid, liquid, or gas that gives off small amounts of ionizing radiation. |
| high-level radioactive wastes | radioactive solids, liquids, or gases that initially give off large amount of ionizing radiation |
| low-level radioactive policy act | Passed in 1980, the act that specified that all states are responsible for the waste they generate. It encouraged states to develop facilities to handle low-level radioactive wastes by 1996. |
| nuclear waste policy act | (1982) U.S. government must develop a high level nuclear waste site (Yucca Mtn) |
| vitrification | solidifying liquid waste into solid glass or ceramic logs |
| decommission | to dismantle an old nuclear power plant after it closes |
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