Nuclear Power (AQA GCSE Design & Technology): Revision Note
Exam code: 8552
How nuclear power is generated
What is nuclear power?
Nuclear power is a non-renewable energy source used to generate electricity by releasing energy from a nuclear reaction called nuclear fission
Like burning fossil fuels, nuclear power heats water which powers turbines and generators to create electricity
Arguments for and against the selection of nuclear power
Arguments For | Arguments Against |
|---|---|
Produces very low amounts of CO₂ compared to fossil fuels, helping to reduce climate change | Produces radioactive waste, which is extremely dangerous and difficult to process or store |
Produces very high amounts of energy and electricity | Power stations are very expensive to set up, maintain and decommission |
Very reliable, on-demand source of energy | A nuclear incident, whilst unlikely, would cause major environmental damage and health issues |
Allows countries to rely less on fossil fuels | People living near nuclear power stations are often opposed to them being near their homes |
Examiner Tips and Tricks
When comparing energy sources in the exam, always consider both environmental and economic factors.
For nuclear power, a strong answer would note that while it produces very low CO₂ during operation, the high cost of building and decommissioning power stations and the challenge of storing radioactive waste are significant drawbacks.
Use specific terminology like "nuclear fission", "decommission" and "radioactive waste" to demonstrate your knowledge.
Unlock more, it's free!
Join the 100,000+ Students that ❤️ Save My Exams
the (exam) results speak for themselves:
Was this revision note helpful?
