AP Environmental Science 6.G: Nuclear Power

Practice AP Environmental Science questions on nuclear fission, uranium-235, electricity generation, radioactive waste, and thermal pollution.

[Maximum number: 3]

Earth's climate has changed over time by the addition of greenhouse gasses to the atmosphere. One approach to mitigate climate change is the use of nuclear power, rather than coal-burning power plants, for electricity generation.

(a)

Identify a fuel used in a nuclear power plant.

[ 1 ]

(b)

In 2021, $4.1 \times 10^{12}$ kilowatt hours (kWh) of commercial electricity was generated in the United States. Nuclear power accounted for 18.9% of the total commercial electricity. Calculate the amount of electricity in kWh generated by nuclear power in the United States in 2021. Show your work.

Another approach to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is to switch from coal-burning power plants to natural gas power plants.

[ 2 ]

In 2021, $4.1 \times 10^{12}$ kilowatt hours ( kWh ) of commercial electricity was generated in the United States. Nuclear power accounted for 18.9\% of the total commercial electricity. Calculate the amount of electricity in kWh generated by nuclear power in the United States in 2021. Show your work.

One point for the correct setup to calculate the amount of electricity generated by nuclear power in 2021:

Accept one of the following:

- $\left(4.1 \times 10^{12} \mathrm{kWh}\right) \times 18.9 \%$

- $\left(4.1 \times 10^{12}\right) \times 0.189$

- $\frac{4.1 \times 10^{12}}{100}=\frac{\mathrm{x}}{18.9}$

1 point

One point for the correct calculation of the total amount of electricity generated by nuclear power in 2021:

Accept one of the following:

- 774,900,000,000

- $7.749 \times 10^{11}$

- $7.75 \times 10^{11}$

- $7.7 \times 10^{11}$

1 point

Total for part (c)

2 points

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ENG-3.G—Describe the use of nuclear energy in power generation question 1

Question (a)

Question (b)