Question

The major problem in harnessing the nuclear energy is how to:
A. split nuclei?
B. sustain the reaction?
C. dispose of spent fuel safely?
D. convert nuclear energy into electrical energy?

Answer 1

Define how a nuclear reactor works. When an atom is split up to form smaller atoms, the energy in the core of the atom or the nucleus is released. This is called nuclear energy. Obtain the information about the pros and cons about a nuclear reactor. Find out which one of the options given in the question can be a problem by understanding the working process of the reactors.

Complete step-by-step answer :
Nuclear reactor is used to harness the nuclear energy released in the fission process.
A nuclear reactor driven by the splitting of atoms. This process is called the fission. When a high speed particle (generally the neutron) is fired to an atom. After this, the atom fissions into two smaller or low mass atoms and a few neutrons. These neutrons are also highspeed neutrons which in turn collides with other atoms making a chain reaction of fission.
A nuclear chain reaction can be controlled using poisons and nuclear moderators. With the help of moderators, the speed of the neutrons is controlled so that the chain reaction can continue. With the help of the poison, the amount of nuclear reaction happening inside the nuclear core is controlled.
The fission reaction inside the core produces heat which produces steam. This steam is used by turbine generators to generate electricity. This way we can convert the nuclear energy to electrical energy.
All the above three processes can be well controlled. The only problem with the nuclear reactors is that we cannot just dispose of the nuclear waste anywhere. These nuclear wastes can do permanent damage to any living organism and the environment which are in direct contact with the waste. The nuclear reactors produce high level wastes or dangerous by-products which remain radioactive for a longer period of time.
So, the problem with harnessing nuclear energy is disposing of the nuclear wastes.
The correct option is (C).

Note :Nuclear energy is released in significant amounts in the process of fission in which the atomic nuclei are involved. Nuclear reactors have very low fuel cost and can give us huge amounts of energy. It also produces very low pollution. But it also has some serious problems like these reactors are expensive and produces radioactive wastes which are very dangerous to any living being if they come in direct contact with it.