6.4.5Radioactivity
Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Power
5 min read 5 parts Lesson 28 of 30 Unit quiz
Section 1 of 5Advantages
Low carbon
- A running reactor does not emit carbon dioxide, so it does not add to the greenhouse effect in operation.
Reliable
- Nuclear stations can run continuously whatever the weather, providing a steady base supply of electricity.
Very concentrated fuel
- A small mass of uranium releases as much energy as huge amounts of coal, so less fuel needs transporting.
Lasting supply
- Fuel supplies can last longer than fossil fuel reserves, especially if used efficiently or reprocessed.
Air quality
- There are no sulfur dioxide or soot emissions that cause acid rain or smog.
Section 2 of 5Disadvantages
Disadvantages
Radioactive waste
- Waste remains dangerous for thousands of years and needs long-term secure storage.
Accident risk
- A serious accident could release radioactive material that spreads over a wide area and harms health.
High costs
- Building and decommissioning a station is very expensive and takes many years.
Slow to adjust
- Reactors cannot be switched on and off quickly to match sudden changes in demand.
Section 3 of 5Comparison with Other Resources
Fossil fuels
- They are cheap to build and respond quickly to demand, but release carbon dioxide and use up finite reserves.
Wind and solar
- These emit no carbon dioxide and have no fuel cost, but their output depends on weather and time of day.
Hydroelectric
- It is reliable and low carbon, but needs suitable geography and can disrupt ecosystems.
Mixed supply
- Most countries combine several resources to balance cost, reliability and environmental effects.
| Resource | Carbon dioxide in use | Reliability |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear | None | High |
| Coal or gas | High | High |
| Wind | None | Depends on weather |
Section 4 of 5Evaluating an Argument
1
State the resource being judged and the criteria, such as cost, reliability, safety and environmental effect.
2
Give at least one benefit and one drawback for each criterion, using facts rather than opinions.
3
Compare the resource with a named alternative, for example gas or wind, on the same criteria.
4
Weigh the evidence, deciding which factors matter most for the situation described in the question.
5
End with a clear conclusion that supports your judgement and acknowledges the main opposing point.
Section 5 of 5Exam Checklist & Tips
6.4.5 – Key Points for the Exam
- Base load The minimum level of electricity demand that must be supplied continuously.
- Finite resource A resource that will run out because it cannot be replaced on a human timescale.
- Greenhouse gas A gas such as carbon dioxide that traps infrared radiation in the atmosphere.
- Decommissioning Closing and safely dismantling a nuclear power station.
- Evaluate To weigh up evidence for and against and reach a reasoned judgement.
Common Mistakes
- Saying nuclear power is renewable; uranium is a finite resource.
- Claiming it produces no waste at all, when it makes radioactive waste that must be managed.
- Giving only advantages or only disadvantages in an evaluate question.
- Saying that nuclear stations produce no emissions when building and fuel supply do involve some emissions.