RUBY REVELES PERIOD 3 4/14/11 Solar & Nuclear Energy
How it is used… Solar Energy- is the sun’s rays that reach the earth. It can be converted into other types of energy such as heat and electricity. When solar energy is converted to thermal energy it is used to heat water, spaces, and fluids in homes and buildings. Nuclear Energy- energy from the nucleus of atoms. Nuclear energy is used to make electricity.
What are the benefits?… Solar Energy- Do not produce air pollutants. When located on buildings, have minimal impact on environment. Completely renewable resource The process makes no noise at all unlike the giant machines that are used for pumping oil. Expensive when purchased, but you will find yourself saving a lot more. Nuclear Energy- Nuclear power plants require fuels than those that burn fossil fuels. Power plants that are well operated do not release contaminants into the air. Nuclear energy is one of the most reliable and cleanest.
What are the drawbacks?... Solar Energy- Sometimes the amount of sunlight that reaches the earth’s surface is limited so it isn’t always available. A large area is needed. An area with a lot of pollution can degrade the efficiency of the photovoltaic cells. They do not work when the sun is not shining on them. Nuclear Energy- Even though there is a high security standard, there is still a high risk of an accident occurring in the plant. If the plant were to explode, it would produce radiation. The radiation can harm the cells of the body which can cause people to get sick. Nuclear reactors have problems with waste disposal. The nuclear waste that the reactors produce can emit dangerous Nuclear reactors only last from 40 to 50 years.
Why it is not the number one source of energy used… Solar Energy Solar panels are too expensive. Large areas of land are needed. Sunlight is not always available. Nuclear Energy The exposure to radioactivity. Problems with radioactive waste disposal. The cost building the plants is too high. It can range from 6 to 9 billion dollars.
Websites I used…