IB ESS HL 7.2.9 Nuclear power Question Bank
Practise IB ESS HL 7.2.9 by applying nuclear power concepts to exam-style environmental systems questions.
- Syllabus
- First assessment 2026
- Course
- ESS HL
- Level
- HL
Exam points
- identify the relevant environmental system, process or evidence
- apply the correct ESS concept and explain the causal relationship
- evaluate the outcome using ecological, social or management evidence
7.2.9 (HL)—Nuclear power 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;
All question bank results loaded