Question

A nuclear reactor is a powerful device, wherein nuclear energy is utilised for peaceful purpose. It is based upon controlled nuclear chain rection. The nuclear reaction is controlled by the use of control rods (of boron or cadmium) and moderators like heavy water, graphite, etc. The whole reactor is protect with concrete walls 2 to 2.5 meter thick, so that radiation emitted during nuclear reactions may not produce harmful effects. Read the above passage and answer the following questions:
(i) Give any two merits of nuclear reactors.
(ii) What is radiactive waste?
(iii) why do people often oppose the location site of a nuclear reactor? What do you suggest?

Answer 1

(i) Nuclear reactors are used in electric power generation. They are also used to produced radioactive isotopes- which have applications in medicine, industry and agriculture.
ii) Radioactive waste consists of fission products and transuranic elements such as plutonium and americium. This waste is extremely hazardous to all forms of life on earth.
(iii) People often oppose the location site of a nuclear reactor because any leakage of nuclear radiations can affect adversely miles of area surrounding it. Elaborate safety maesures are needed not only for reactor operations, but also for handling and disposal of radioactive waste. I would suggest that Government must take stringent safety measures and assure people of safeguards in the event of nuclear accidents. At the same time, people must also be educated accordingly.