AP Environmental Science Flashcards: Nuclear Power
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 11 cards to help you master important concepts.
A nuclear power plant releases large amounts of hot water into a nearby lake. What specific type of pollution is this, and what is a likely effect?
This is thermal pollution, which can lower dissolved oxygen levels in the lake and negatively impact aquatic life.
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A nuclear power plant releases large amounts of hot water into a nearby lake. What specific type of pollution is this, and what is a likely effect?
This is thermal pollution, which can lower dissolved oxygen levels in the lake and negatively impact aquatic life.
Define nuclear fission in the context of power generation.
Nuclear fission is the process where atoms of Uranium-235 are split to release a large amount of heat, which is then used to generate electricity.
What is the specific fuel used in nuclear fission for power generation?
The fuel used is Uranium-235, an isotope of uranium whose atoms are split during the fission process.
What are the environmental consequences of a major nuclear accident?
A major accident can cause the release of harmful radiation, which has significant short- and long-term negative impacts on the surrounding environment and ecosystems.
Is nuclear power a renewable or nonrenewable energy source? Why?
Nuclear power is considered a nonrenewable energy source because it relies on Uranium-235, which is a finite resource mined from the Earth.
Why is nuclear power considered a "cleaner" energy source than fossil fuels?
It is considered cleaner because, during operation, it does not produce the air pollutants (like CO2 or soot) that are associated with burning fossil fuels.
How is the heat from nuclear fission converted into electricity?
The heat released from fission is used to generate steam, which in turn powers a turbine connected to a generator that produces electricity.
Name three historical examples of nuclear power incidents that led to the release of radiation.
Three major incidents were the accidents or natural disasters that occurred at Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima.
What are the two main negative environmental byproducts of normally operating nuclear power plants?
The two main negative byproducts are thermal pollution from heated water discharge and hazardous solid radioactive waste.
Contrast the waste products of nuclear power with those of coal power.
Nuclear power produces no air pollutants but creates long-lasting hazardous solid waste, while coal power produces significant air pollutants and solid waste (ash).
What is the primary challenge associated with the disposal of nuclear waste?
The primary challenge is that the waste from Uranium-235 remains radioactive for a very long time, requiring secure, long-term storage solutions.