IB ESS HL 7.2.9 Hl Nuclear Power Questions
Practise IB ESS HL 7.2.9 by applying nuclear power concepts to environmental systems questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- Non-renewable, low-carbon electricity production
- Fission reactions (uranium/plutonium)
- Advantages: low-cost, constant, low-carbon
- Disadvantages: mining impacts, thermal pollution, accident risk, radioactive waste
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IB ESS HL 7.2.9 Hl Nuclear Power Questions question 1
[Maximum number: 4]
Outline two advantages and two disadvantages of nuclear power as a choice of energy production.
Advantages [2max]:
a. Low greenhouse gas emissions, reducing climate impacts;
b. High energy output/efficient for small amount of fuel;
c. Stable/reliable/consistent source of energy, increasing energy security;
d. Once built, it is relatively cheap to produce energy;
e. Low to no air pollution/SOx/NOx/particulate matter;
Disadvantages [2 max]:
f. It is a non-renewable resource so the supply is finite;
g. Safety/health concerns with exposure to radioactivity/nuclear accidents;
h. Radioactive waste can cause environmental degradation;
i. Thermal pollution can affect aquatic ecosystems;
j. Expensive to construct and decommission / expensive to manage/store radioactive waste;
k. Requires highly skilled labor/expertise which can limit use;
I. Public concerns/opposition to nuclear proliferation/creation of nuclear weapons;
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