In this lab you will see the time progression of impacts associated with either coal-fired or nuclear power plants for electricity generation to help you write up a scientific paper that centers on the following:
Analyze Energy Sources Lab
Everything people do in their daily lives involves the consumption of resourcesparticularly energy. With respect to energy electricity is one of the most important resources consumed and also one of the highest in demand. Traditionally fossil fuels such as coal natural gas and oil have dominated the U.S. energy mix; however as it is well-known carbon-emitting energy sources are very detrimental to the environment and are contributing to global warming. Fortunately alternative energy resources such as solar wind hydro and geothermal power are becoming more efficient and prevalent in todays energy economy.
Lab 4: Analysis of Energy Sources
Introduction
There are many perceived concerns with using nuclear energy as a primary energy source to generate electricity. Possibly when you think of nuclear energy one of the main thoughts that might pop into your heads is unstoppable destruction. If you link that thought along with the high costs of building nuclear power plants and the difficulties in radiation waste management the hesitation about using nuclear energy as a resource for electricity production is understandable. However with no definitive reliable and renewable energy sources being used in the world what are your choices when you consider the needs for human sustainability? Fossil fuels despite their description as being nonrenewable and an important source of pollution still provide the world with about two thirds of its electricity with the fossil fuel coal making up the greatest contribution.
Below you will see two graphic that represent the addition of coal or uranium that is mined as a fuel source for either a coal-fired or nuclear power plant respectively. A data table will be displayed below each graphic to quantify pollutants associated with coal-fired and nuclear power plants. Use this information to complete your lab worksheet and help you accept or reject your hypothesis.
Coal Plant
Coal Plant Pollutants
Note on Radioactivity:A coal plant releases 100 times more radioactivity than a nuclear power plant because of the natural presence of radioactive compounds (uranium thorium) in the coal.Millisievert(mSv) is a high-level radiation unit and 1 mSv = 1/1000 of a sievert. This is used to express the level of radiation exposure which indicated an individuals increased risk of developing cancer.
Nuclear Plant
Nuclear Plant Pollutants
Note on Radioactivity:A coal plant releases 100 times more radioactivity than a nuclear power plant because of the natural presence of radioactive compounds (uranium thorium) in the coal.Millisievert(mSv) is a high-level radiation unit and 1 mSv = 1/1000 of a sievert. This is used to express the level of radiation exposure which indicated an individuals increased risk of developing cancer.
Reference
Nebel B.J. & Wright R. T. (2008). Environmental science: Toward a sustainable future. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River NJ: Prentice Hall.
Registered Trademark CEC 2013.All Rights Reserved.