1. Cody Soule, Mike Caccavale, Joe Graham, Hamza Ahmad NUCLEAR ENERGY

2. HOW IS NUCLEAR ENERGY PRODUCED? Nuclear energy is produced in power plants by the fission of uranium atoms Neutrons from uranium atoms collide with each other, releasing energy and neutrons in a chain reaction The energy released produces heat which heats liquid into steam turning turbines connected to electric generators to make electricity

3. NUCLEAR POWER IN THE UNITED STATES The USA is the world's largest producer of nuclear power, accounting for more than 30% of worldwide nuclear generation of electricity, and about 20% of the United State’s electricity (EPA) The United States has 104 nuclear reactors at 65 nuclear power plants, that produced 821 billion kWh in 2011, 5 are located in New York state Nuclear power plants generate electricity that is transported through electric grids throughout the country A map of electric grids and nuclear power plants in the US.

4. USES OF NUCLEAR ENERGY Food and Agriculture Technology increases agricultural production Improves food availability and quality, reduce production costs and minimize pollution of food crops. Human Health Common application is in the treatment of cancer through the use of radiotherapy. Radioisotope tracers are used for diagnostic and research purposes. Nuclear energy can also be used in industries for processing of various products by means of radiation Age Nuclear energy can be used by archaeologists, geologists and anthropologists in determining the age of rocks, insects, etc. Generating Electricity The energy released by the fission that takes place in a nuclear reactor of the nuclear power plant is converted and generated into electricity

5. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF NUCLEAR ENERGY Unlike fossil fuel-fired power plants, nuclear reactors do not produce air pollution or carbon dioxide while operating Nuclear power plants use large quantities of water for steam production and for cooling. Heavy metals and salts build up in the water used and can negatively affect water quality and aquatic life. Every 18 to 24 months, nuclear power plants must shut down to remove and replace the "spent" uranium fuel which is radioactive waste. Nuclear waste is transported in casks which are made from multiple layers of steel and lead and must pass a series of tests to be deposited. Radioactive materials can remain radioactive and dangerous to human health for thousands of years.

6. WORKS CITED Brennan, John. "How Is Nuclear Energy Transported? | eHow.com." eHow. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.. "Electric Power-Science Tracer Bullet-Library of Congress." Library of Congress Home. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.. Gupta, Sourabh. "Uses of Nuclear Energy." Buzzle. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Apr. 2013.. "Nuclear & Uranium - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)." U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.. "Nuclear Energy." US Environmental Protection Agency. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013.. "Visualizing The U.S. Electric Grid : NPR." NPR. N.p., n.d. Web. 11 Apr. 2013..