English National Curriculum - Science Science

11. Explore nuclear energy

Mission Objectives

Describe how a nuclear power plant generates electricity

Explain why nuclear power is important in electricity generation

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using nuclear power to generate electricity

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KS4-18-11 Lesson Slides KS4-18-11-Teacher Answers KS4-18-11 Handout KS4-18-11 PDF Handout KS4-18-11 Mission Assignment

Keywords

Words and meanings to learn

fission

splitting a large atomic nucleus into smaller pieces. This process releases energy.

nuclear reactor

a reactor that produces heat and electricity through nuclear fission

chain reaction

a reaction where the product of the reaction causes further reactions to take place

fusion

joining small atomic nuclei together to form a larger one. This process releases energy.

fuel rod

a long, slender tube containing pellets of fissionable material, which provide fuel for nuclear reactors

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United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory

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Required Resources

Resources: Class presentation and handout.

Handout: Key information on nuclear fission, control and moderators. Key questions to explore the fuel used in reactors and why nuclear fuel is a low carbon resource compared to wind power. Students can summarise the energy transfers used to generate electricity in a nuclear power station and recall and summarise the advantages and disadvantages of renewable energy resources.

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