Practice Test 1 – Reading for Comprehension

A hydroelectric power plant uses the potential energy of water to generate electricity. These facilities must be located next to a large body of water, whether natural or man-made. The amount of energy that can be developed by the plant is directly proportional to the volume of water at the site, as well as the rate at which the water is allowed to flow through the plant. In a typical arrangement, the power plant is built atop or alongside a dam, through which water is permitted to flow at a controlled pace. This water flow spins turbines that are attached to alternators, which generate the electrical power.
Hydroelectric power plants have many wonderful qualities relative to other plants. They are very clean and are inexpensive to operate and maintain. Hydroelectric plants are also very reliable and can move from inaction to operation at full capacity in a matter of minutes. These plants can be operated with a great deal of precision, which promotes efficiency. Finally, hydroelectric plants are considered to be one of the most durable systems, which means that they maintain their efficiency throughout their lives.
Unfortunately, hydroelectric power plants have specific demands that can be difficult to meet. They require a long area, and they cost a great deal of money to construct. They also tend to have long transmission lines, so they are subject to a number of inefficiencies. Perhaps the most negative aspect of a hydroelectric power plant is not associated with the plant itself, but with the large reservoir of water that must be alongside the plant. These reservoirs submerge huge amounts of land and can have devastating effects on wildlife and human settlements alike. Moreover, hydroelectric power plants are dependent on the water supply, so prolonged droughts can make it impossible for these facilities to operate.
Clearly, hydroelectric power plants cannot be built just anywhere. The best sites for these plants are large lakes at high altitude, especially in areas that receive a great deal of rainfall. It is good for the land to be rocky, because this will make it better able to support the heavy equipment that must be used in construction and operation. Also, it is important for there to be adequate roads or rails to move all of this equipment. All of these requirements mean that only a few sites will be truly appropriate for a hydroelectric power plant.

A hydroelectric power plant uses the potential energy of water to generate electricity. These facilities must be located next to a large body of water, whether natural or man-made. The amount of energy that can be developed by the plant is directly proportional to the volume of water at the site, as well as the rate at which the water is allowed to flow through the plant. In a typical arrangement, the power plant is built atop or alongside a dam, through which water is permitted to flow at a controlled pace. This water flow spins turbines that are attached to alternators, which generate the electrical power.
Hydroelectric power plants have many wonderful qualities relative to other plants. They are very clean and are inexpensive to operate and maintain. Hydroelectric plants are also very reliable and can move from inaction to operation at full capacity in a matter of minutes. These plants can be operated with a great deal of precision, which promotes efficiency. Finally, hydroelectric plants are considered to be one of the most durable systems, which means that they maintain their efficiency throughout their lives.
Unfortunately, hydroelectric power plants have specific demands that can be difficult to meet. They require a long area, and they cost a great deal of money to construct. They also tend to have long transmission lines, so they are subject to a number of inefficiencies. Perhaps the most negative aspect of a hydroelectric power plant is not associated with the plant itself, but with the large reservoir of water that must be alongside the plant. These reservoirs submerge huge amounts of land and can have devastating effects on wildlife and human settlements alike. Moreover, hydroelectric power plants are dependent on the water supply, so prolonged droughts can make it impossible for these facilities to operate.
Clearly, hydroelectric power plants cannot be built just anywhere. The best sites for these plants are large lakes at high altitude, especially in areas that receive a great deal of rainfall. It is good for the land to be rocky, because this will make it better able to support the heavy equipment that must be used in construction and operation. Also, it is important for there to be adequate roads or rails to move all of this equipment. All of these requirements mean that only a few sites will be truly appropriate for a hydroelectric power plant.

A hydroelectric power plant uses the potential energy of water to generate electricity. These facilities must be located next to a large body of water, whether natural or man-made. The amount of energy that can be developed by the plant is directly proportional to the volume of water at the site, as well as the rate at which the water is allowed to flow through the plant. In a typical arrangement, the power plant is built atop or alongside a dam, through which water is permitted to flow at a controlled pace. This water flow spins turbines that are attached to alternators, which generate the electrical power.
Hydroelectric power plants have many wonderful qualities relative to other plants. They are very clean and are inexpensive to operate and maintain. Hydroelectric plants are also very reliable and can move from inaction to operation at full capacity in a matter of minutes. These plants can be operated with a great deal of precision, which promotes efficiency. Finally, hydroelectric plants are considered to be one of the most durable systems, which means that they maintain their efficiency throughout their lives.
Unfortunately, hydroelectric power plants have specific demands that can be difficult to meet. They require a long area, and they cost a great deal of money to construct. They also tend to have long transmission lines, so they are subject to a number of inefficiencies. Perhaps the most negative aspect of a hydroelectric power plant is not associated with the plant itself, but with the large reservoir of water that must be alongside the plant. These reservoirs submerge huge amounts of land and can have devastating effects on wildlife and human settlements alike. Moreover, hydroelectric power plants are dependent on the water supply, so prolonged droughts can make it impossible for these facilities to operate.
Clearly, hydroelectric power plants cannot be built just anywhere. The best sites for these plants are large lakes at high altitude, especially in areas that receive a great deal of rainfall. It is good for the land to be rocky, because this will make it better able to support the heavy equipment that must be used in construction and operation. Also, it is important for there to be adequate roads or rails to move all of this equipment. All of these requirements mean that only a few sites will be truly appropriate for a hydroelectric power plant.

A hydroelectric power plant uses the potential energy of water to generate electricity. These facilities must be located next to a large body of water, whether natural or man-made. The amount of energy that can be developed by the plant is directly proportional to the volume of water at the site, as well as the rate at which the water is allowed to flow through the plant. In a typical arrangement, the power plant is built atop or alongside a dam, through which water is permitted to flow at a controlled pace. This water flow spins turbines that are attached to alternators, which generate the electrical power.
Hydroelectric power plants have many wonderful qualities relative to other plants. They are very clean and are inexpensive to operate and maintain. Hydroelectric plants are also very reliable and can move from inaction to operation at full capacity in a matter of minutes. These plants can be operated with a great deal of precision, which promotes efficiency. Finally, hydroelectric plants are considered to be one of the most durable systems, which means that they maintain their efficiency throughout their lives.
Unfortunately, hydroelectric power plants have specific demands that can be difficult to meet. They require a long area, and they cost a great deal of money to construct. They also tend to have long transmission lines, so they are subject to a number of inefficiencies. Perhaps the most negative aspect of a hydroelectric power plant is not associated with the plant itself, but with the large reservoir of water that must be alongside the plant. These reservoirs submerge huge amounts of land and can have devastating effects on wildlife and human settlements alike. Moreover, hydroelectric power plants are dependent on the water supply, so prolonged droughts can make it impossible for these facilities to operate.
Clearly, hydroelectric power plants cannot be built just anywhere. The best sites for these plants are large lakes at high altitude, especially in areas that receive a great deal of rainfall. It is good for the land to be rocky, because this will make it better able to support the heavy equipment that must be used in construction and operation. Also, it is important for there to be adequate roads or rails to move all of this equipment. All of these requirements mean that only a few sites will be truly appropriate for a hydroelectric power plant.

A hydroelectric power plant uses the potential energy of water to generate electricity. These facilities must be located next to a large body of water, whether natural or man-made. The amount of energy that can be developed by the plant is directly proportional to the volume of water at the site, as well as the rate at which the water is allowed to flow through the plant. In a typical arrangement, the power plant is built atop or alongside a dam, through which water is permitted to flow at a controlled pace. This water flow spins turbines that are attached to alternators, which generate the electrical power.
Hydroelectric power plants have many wonderful qualities relative to other plants. They are very clean and are inexpensive to operate and maintain. Hydroelectric plants are also very reliable and can move from inaction to operation at full capacity in a matter of minutes. These plants can be operated with a great deal of precision, which promotes efficiency. Finally, hydroelectric plants are considered to be one of the most durable systems, which means that they maintain their efficiency throughout their lives.
Unfortunately, hydroelectric power plants have specific demands that can be difficult to meet. They require a long area, and they cost a great deal of money to construct. They also tend to have long transmission lines, so they are subject to a number of inefficiencies. Perhaps the most negative aspect of a hydroelectric power plant is not associated with the plant itself, but with the large reservoir of water that must be alongside the plant. These reservoirs submerge huge amounts of land and can have devastating effects on wildlife and human settlements alike. Moreover, hydroelectric power plants are dependent on the water supply, so prolonged droughts can make it impossible for these facilities to operate.
Clearly, hydroelectric power plants cannot be built just anywhere. The best sites for these plants are large lakes at high altitude, especially in areas that receive a great deal of rainfall. It is good for the land to be rocky, because this will make it better able to support the heavy equipment that must be used in construction and operation. Also, it is important for there to be adequate roads or rails to move all of this equipment. All of these requirements mean that only a few sites will be truly appropriate for a hydroelectric power plant.

A hydroelectric power plant uses the potential energy of water to generate electricity. These facilities must be located next to a large body of water, whether natural or man-made. The amount of energy that can be developed by the plant is directly proportional to the volume of water at the site, as well as the rate at which the water is allowed to flow through the plant. In a typical arrangement, the power plant is built atop or alongside a dam, through which water is permitted to flow at a controlled pace. This water flow spins turbines that are attached to alternators, which generate the electrical power.
Hydroelectric power plants have many wonderful qualities relative to other plants. They are very clean and are inexpensive to operate and maintain. Hydroelectric plants are also very reliable and can move from inaction to operation at full capacity in a matter of minutes. These plants can be operated with a great deal of precision, which promotes efficiency. Finally, hydroelectric plants are considered to be one of the most durable systems, which means that they maintain their efficiency throughout their lives.
Unfortunately, hydroelectric power plants have specific demands that can be difficult to meet. They require a long area, and they cost a great deal of money to construct. They also tend to have long transmission lines, so they are subject to a number of inefficiencies. Perhaps the most negative aspect of a hydroelectric power plant is not associated with the plant itself, but with the large reservoir of water that must be alongside the plant. These reservoirs submerge huge amounts of land and can have devastating effects on wildlife and human settlements alike. Moreover, hydroelectric power plants are dependent on the water supply, so prolonged droughts can make it impossible for these facilities to operate.
Clearly, hydroelectric power plants cannot be built just anywhere. The best sites for these plants are large lakes at high altitude, especially in areas that receive a great deal of rainfall. It is good for the land to be rocky, because this will make it better able to support the heavy equipment that must be used in construction and operation. Also, it is important for there to be adequate roads or rails to move all of this equipment. All of these requirements mean that only a few sites will be truly appropriate for a hydroelectric power plant.

A hydroelectric power plant uses the potential energy of water to generate electricity. These facilities must be located next to a large body of water, whether natural or man-made. The amount of energy that can be developed by the plant is directly proportional to the volume of water at the site, as well as the rate at which the water is allowed to flow through the plant. In a typical arrangement, the power plant is built atop or alongside a dam, through which water is permitted to flow at a controlled pace. This water flow spins turbines that are attached to alternators, which generate the electrical power.
Hydroelectric power plants have many wonderful qualities relative to other plants. They are very clean and are inexpensive to operate and maintain. Hydroelectric plants are also very reliable and can move from inaction to operation at full capacity in a matter of minutes. These plants can be operated with a great deal of precision, which promotes efficiency. Finally, hydroelectric plants are considered to be one of the most durable systems, which means that they maintain their efficiency throughout their lives.
Unfortunately, hydroelectric power plants have specific demands that can be difficult to meet. They require a long area, and they cost a great deal of money to construct. They also tend to have long transmission lines, so they are subject to a number of inefficiencies. Perhaps the most negative aspect of a hydroelectric power plant is not associated with the plant itself, but with the large reservoir of water that must be alongside the plant. These reservoirs submerge huge amounts of land and can have devastating effects on wildlife and human settlements alike. Moreover, hydroelectric power plants are dependent on the water supply, so prolonged droughts can make it impossible for these facilities to operate.
Clearly, hydroelectric power plants cannot be built just anywhere. The best sites for these plants are large lakes at high altitude, especially in areas that receive a great deal of rainfall. It is good for the land to be rocky, because this will make it better able to support the heavy equipment that must be used in construction and operation. Also, it is important for there to be adequate roads or rails to move all of this equipment. All of these requirements mean that only a few sites will be truly appropriate for a hydroelectric power plant.

Nuclear power is produced in reactors. The chain reaction created inside a reactor is an example of controlled fission, because the intensity of the reaction and the amount of energy produced are carefully modulated. The fission in a nuclear reactor is also continuous, which means that there is an ever-present risk of accident. In order for nuclear power plants to function safely, the reactor core must be cooled constantly.
The production of electricity in a nuclear power plant requires sufficient raw material. In most cases, the fuel is a naturally occurring isotope of uranium, U-235. This isotope is fairly common, but for the purpose of nuclear power production it must be present in very large amounts, which requires purification and concentration until at least 3% of the material is U-235. Once enough of this material has been created, the uranium is molded into standardized, consistent units. These are typically cylindrical pellets with a thickness of about a quarter inch and a length of about an inch. Each of these pellets has a mass of only 8.5 grams, yet can produce as much energy as a ton of coal!
After the uranium has been formed into pellets, the pellets are stacked inside four-meter metal rods, which are then bound together to form fuel assemblies, which themselves are bound together inside the reactor core. The reactor core is a heavy steel container. Neutrons are then fired into the reactor core, where they dislodge neutrons from the unstable uranium atoms. Because the uranium is packed so tightly within the reactor core, any neutrons that are knocked loose from one atom go on to dislodge other neutrons from atoms, a chain reaction that enables the release of massive amounts of energy.
The core of a nuclear reactor gets extremely hot, so a coolant is used. Typically, this coolant is water, although breeder reactors, which get much hotter than conventional ones, use liquid sodium. In a breeder reactor, the fission of uranium produces plutonium, which itself can be used as nuclear fuel. The coolant in a nuclear reactor is also useful as a moderator, which means that it slows down the neutrons. This makes it easier to modulate the efficiency of the reactor’s operation. Without coolant, the fuel rods in the reactor core may melt, at which point the control rods will not be able to control the reaction. The reactor core may become so hot that it triggers a meltdown, in which the floor beneath the reactor is disintegrated and radioactive material is released into the environment.

Nuclear power is produced in reactors. The chain reaction created inside a reactor is an example of controlled fission, because the intensity of the reaction and the amount of energy produced are carefully modulated. The fission in a nuclear reactor is also continuous, which means that there is an ever-present risk of accident. In order for nuclear power plants to function safely, the reactor core must be cooled constantly.
The production of electricity in a nuclear power plant requires sufficient raw material. In most cases, the fuel is a naturally occurring isotope of uranium, U-235. This isotope is fairly common, but for the purpose of nuclear power production it must be present in very large amounts, which requires purification and concentration until at least 3% of the material is U-235. Once enough of this material has been created, the uranium is molded into standardized, consistent units. These are typically cylindrical pellets with a thickness of about a quarter inch and a length of about an inch. Each of these pellets has a mass of only 8.5 grams, yet can produce as much energy as a ton of coal!
After the uranium has been formed into pellets, the pellets are stacked inside four-meter metal rods, which are then bound together to form fuel assemblies, which themselves are bound together inside the reactor core. The reactor core is a heavy steel container. Neutrons are then fired into the reactor core, where they dislodge neutrons from the unstable uranium atoms. Because the uranium is packed so tightly within the reactor core, any neutrons that are knocked loose from one atom go on to dislodge other neutrons from atoms, a chain reaction that enables the release of massive amounts of energy.
The core of a nuclear reactor gets extremely hot, so a coolant is used. Typically, this coolant is water, although breeder reactors, which get much hotter than conventional ones, use liquid sodium. In a breeder reactor, the fission of uranium produces plutonium, which itself can be used as nuclear fuel. The coolant in a nuclear reactor is also useful as a moderator, which means that it slows down the neutrons. This makes it easier to modulate the efficiency of the reactor’s operation. Without coolant, the fuel rods in the reactor core may melt, at which point the control rods will not be able to control the reaction. The reactor core may become so hot that it triggers a meltdown, in which the floor beneath the reactor is disintegrated and radioactive material is released into the environment.

Nuclear power is produced in reactors. The chain reaction created inside a reactor is an example of controlled fission, because the intensity of the reaction and the amount of energy produced are carefully modulated. The fission in a nuclear reactor is also continuous, which means that there is an ever-present risk of accident. In order for nuclear power plants to function safely, the reactor core must be cooled constantly.
The production of electricity in a nuclear power plant requires sufficient raw material. In most cases, the fuel is a naturally occurring isotope of uranium, U-235. This isotope is fairly common, but for the purpose of nuclear power production it must be present in very large amounts, which requires purification and concentration until at least 3% of the material is U-235. Once enough of this material has been created, the uranium is molded into standardized, consistent units. These are typically cylindrical pellets with a thickness of about a quarter inch and a length of about an inch. Each of these pellets has a mass of only 8.5 grams, yet can produce as much energy as a ton of coal!
After the uranium has been formed into pellets, the pellets are stacked inside four-meter metal rods, which are then bound together to form fuel assemblies, which themselves are bound together inside the reactor core. The reactor core is a heavy steel container. Neutrons are then fired into the reactor core, where they dislodge neutrons from the unstable uranium atoms. Because the uranium is packed so tightly within the reactor core, any neutrons that are knocked loose from one atom go on to dislodge other neutrons from atoms, a chain reaction that enables the release of massive amounts of energy.
The core of a nuclear reactor gets extremely hot, so a coolant is used. Typically, this coolant is water, although breeder reactors, which get much hotter than conventional ones, use liquid sodium. In a breeder reactor, the fission of uranium produces plutonium, which itself can be used as nuclear fuel. The coolant in a nuclear reactor is also useful as a moderator, which means that it slows down the neutrons. This makes it easier to modulate the efficiency of the reactor’s operation. Without coolant, the fuel rods in the reactor core may melt, at which point the control rods will not be able to control the reaction. The reactor core may become so hot that it triggers a meltdown, in which the floor beneath the reactor is disintegrated and radioactive material is released into the environment.

Nuclear power is produced in reactors. The chain reaction created inside a reactor is an example of controlled fission, because the intensity of the reaction and the amount of energy produced are carefully modulated. The fission in a nuclear reactor is also continuous, which means that there is an ever-present risk of accident. In order for nuclear power plants to function safely, the reactor core must be cooled constantly.
The production of electricity in a nuclear power plant requires sufficient raw material. In most cases, the fuel is a naturally occurring isotope of uranium, U-235. This isotope is fairly common, but for the purpose of nuclear power production it must be present in very large amounts, which requires purification and concentration until at least 3% of the material is U-235. Once enough of this material has been created, the uranium is molded into standardized, consistent units. These are typically cylindrical pellets with a thickness of about a quarter inch and a length of about an inch. Each of these pellets has a mass of only 8.5 grams, yet can produce as much energy as a ton of coal!
After the uranium has been formed into pellets, the pellets are stacked inside four-meter metal rods, which are then bound together to form fuel assemblies, which themselves are bound together inside the reactor core. The reactor core is a heavy steel container. Neutrons are then fired into the reactor core, where they dislodge neutrons from the unstable uranium atoms. Because the uranium is packed so tightly within the reactor core, any neutrons that are knocked loose from one atom go on to dislodge other neutrons from atoms, a chain reaction that enables the release of massive amounts of energy.
The core of a nuclear reactor gets extremely hot, so a coolant is used. Typically, this coolant is water, although breeder reactors, which get much hotter than conventional ones, use liquid sodium. In a breeder reactor, the fission of uranium produces plutonium, which itself can be used as nuclear fuel. The coolant in a nuclear reactor is also useful as a moderator, which means that it slows down the neutrons. This makes it easier to modulate the efficiency of the reactor’s operation. Without coolant, the fuel rods in the reactor core may melt, at which point the control rods will not be able to control the reaction. The reactor core may become so hot that it triggers a meltdown, in which the floor beneath the reactor is disintegrated and radioactive material is released into the environment.

Nuclear power is produced in reactors. The chain reaction created inside a reactor is an example of controlled fission, because the intensity of the reaction and the amount of energy produced are carefully modulated. The fission in a nuclear reactor is also continuous, which means that there is an ever-present risk of accident. In order for nuclear power plants to function safely, the reactor core must be cooled constantly.
The production of electricity in a nuclear power plant requires sufficient raw material. In most cases, the fuel is a naturally occurring isotope of uranium, U-235. This isotope is fairly common, but for the purpose of nuclear power production it must be present in very large amounts, which requires purification and concentration until at least 3% of the material is U-235. Once enough of this material has been created, the uranium is molded into standardized, consistent units. These are typically cylindrical pellets with a thickness of about a quarter inch and a length of about an inch. Each of these pellets has a mass of only 8.5 grams, yet can produce as much energy as a ton of coal!
After the uranium has been formed into pellets, the pellets are stacked inside four-meter metal rods, which are then bound together to form fuel assemblies, which themselves are bound together inside the reactor core. The reactor core is a heavy steel container. Neutrons are then fired into the reactor core, where they dislodge neutrons from the unstable uranium atoms. Because the uranium is packed so tightly within the reactor core, any neutrons that are knocked loose from one atom go on to dislodge other neutrons from atoms, a chain reaction that enables the release of massive amounts of energy.
The core of a nuclear reactor gets extremely hot, so a coolant is used. Typically, this coolant is water, although breeder reactors, which get much hotter than conventional ones, use liquid sodium. In a breeder reactor, the fission of uranium produces plutonium, which itself can be used as nuclear fuel. The coolant in a nuclear reactor is also useful as a moderator, which means that it slows down the neutrons. This makes it easier to modulate the efficiency of the reactor’s operation. Without coolant, the fuel rods in the reactor core may melt, at which point the control rods will not be able to control the reaction. The reactor core may become so hot that it triggers a meltdown, in which the floor beneath the reactor is disintegrated and radioactive material is released into the environment.

Nuclear power is produced in reactors. The chain reaction created inside a reactor is an example of controlled fission, because the intensity of the reaction and the amount of energy produced are carefully modulated. The fission in a nuclear reactor is also continuous, which means that there is an ever-present risk of accident. In order for nuclear power plants to function safely, the reactor core must be cooled constantly.
The production of electricity in a nuclear power plant requires sufficient raw material. In most cases, the fuel is a naturally occurring isotope of uranium, U-235. This isotope is fairly common, but for the purpose of nuclear power production it must be present in very large amounts, which requires purification and concentration until at least 3% of the material is U-235. Once enough of this material has been created, the uranium is molded into standardized, consistent units. These are typically cylindrical pellets with a thickness of about a quarter inch and a length of about an inch. Each of these pellets has a mass of only 8.5 grams, yet can produce as much energy as a ton of coal!
After the uranium has been formed into pellets, the pellets are stacked inside four-meter metal rods, which are then bound together to form fuel assemblies, which themselves are bound together inside the reactor core. The reactor core is a heavy steel container. Neutrons are then fired into the reactor core, where they dislodge neutrons from the unstable uranium atoms. Because the uranium is packed so tightly within the reactor core, any neutrons that are knocked loose from one atom go on to dislodge other neutrons from atoms, a chain reaction that enables the release of massive amounts of energy.
The core of a nuclear reactor gets extremely hot, so a coolant is used. Typically, this coolant is water, although breeder reactors, which get much hotter than conventional ones, use liquid sodium. In a breeder reactor, the fission of uranium produces plutonium, which itself can be used as nuclear fuel. The coolant in a nuclear reactor is also useful as a moderator, which means that it slows down the neutrons. This makes it easier to modulate the efficiency of the reactor’s operation. Without coolant, the fuel rods in the reactor core may melt, at which point the control rods will not be able to control the reaction. The reactor core may become so hot that it triggers a meltdown, in which the floor beneath the reactor is disintegrated and radioactive material is released into the environment.

Nuclear power is produced in reactors. The chain reaction created inside a reactor is an example of controlled fission, because the intensity of the reaction and the amount of energy produced are carefully modulated. The fission in a nuclear reactor is also continuous, which means that there is an ever-present risk of accident. In order for nuclear power plants to function safely, the reactor core must be cooled constantly.
The production of electricity in a nuclear power plant requires sufficient raw material. In most cases, the fuel is a naturally occurring isotope of uranium, U-235. This isotope is fairly common, but for the purpose of nuclear power production it must be present in very large amounts, which requires purification and concentration until at least 3% of the material is U-235. Once enough of this material has been created, the uranium is molded into standardized, consistent units. These are typically cylindrical pellets with a thickness of about a quarter inch and a length of about an inch. Each of these pellets has a mass of only 8.5 grams, yet can produce as much energy as a ton of coal!
After the uranium has been formed into pellets, the pellets are stacked inside four-meter metal rods, which are then bound together to form fuel assemblies, which themselves are bound together inside the reactor core. The reactor core is a heavy steel container. Neutrons are then fired into the reactor core, where they dislodge neutrons from the unstable uranium atoms. Because the uranium is packed so tightly within the reactor core, any neutrons that are knocked loose from one atom go on to dislodge other neutrons from atoms, a chain reaction that enables the release of massive amounts of energy.
The core of a nuclear reactor gets extremely hot, so a coolant is used. Typically, this coolant is water, although breeder reactors, which get much hotter than conventional ones, use liquid sodium. In a breeder reactor, the fission of uranium produces plutonium, which itself can be used as nuclear fuel. The coolant in a nuclear reactor is also useful as a moderator, which means that it slows down the neutrons. This makes it easier to modulate the efficiency of the reactor’s operation. Without coolant, the fuel rods in the reactor core may melt, at which point the control rods will not be able to control the reaction. The reactor core may become so hot that it triggers a meltdown, in which the floor beneath the reactor is disintegrated and radioactive material is released into the environment.

Electricity is an essential part of modern life, but it can be dangerous and even deadly if proper safety procedures are not followed. When the amount of current passing through a wire increases, so does the amount of heat generated. If the wires become too hot, they can start a fire. Therefore, before electricity could be used within the home, there needed to be devices that could diminish, divert, or turn off electrical current. The three most common tools for this purpose are fuses, breakers, and switches.
There are two main types of fuse available for use in homes: the Edison-base fuse and the type S fuse. An Edison-base fuse screws into a socket by means of a threaded, spiraled bottom, much like a lightbulb. This is convenient, but it also makes it very easy to screw the wrong fuse into the socket. If an Edison-base fuse is screwed into a socket that requires a much higher voltage, it will blow immediately. If the fuse is screwed into a socket that requires much lower voltage, it will fail to blow even when dangerous levels of electricity are passing through the wire.
The potential for this error was eliminated with the introduction of the type S fuse, so called because the wire inside the fuse is bent into an S shape. The type S fuse is specially sized and designed so that fuses can only be screwed into the appropriate sockets. Still, fuses are considered too unreliable for use in the home and are used more often in cars these days.
In most homes, electrical safety is provided by a system of circuit breakers. Like a fuse, a circuit contains a bimetallic strip, through which the current passes. As the current increases, the strip begins to bend; if the current becomes too great, the strip will bend too much, and the circuit will be broken.
Of course, in order for a fuse or breaker to be effective, it must be at the right place in the circuit. For instance, many appliances contain a grounding wire, which connects the circuit with the casing (that is, the outside of the appliance). If a hot wire comes into contact with the casing, the current immediately blows the fuse or trips the breaker. In this arrangement, the switch, fuse, or circuit breaker must always be on the high-voltage, rather than the ground, side of the line. If the switch or fuse was placed on the ground side, an open circuit would have no current but would retain a potential current, which a person could complete, at his or her peril, by touching the appliance.

Electricity is an essential part of modern life, but it can be dangerous and even deadly if proper safety procedures are not followed. When the amount of current passing through a wire increases, so does the amount of heat generated. If the wires become too hot, they can start a fire. Therefore, before electricity could be used within the home, there needed to be devices that could diminish, divert, or turn off electrical current. The three most common tools for this purpose are fuses, breakers, and switches.
There are two main types of fuse available for use in homes: the Edison-base fuse and the type S fuse. An Edison-base fuse screws into a socket by means of a threaded, spiraled bottom, much like a lightbulb. This is convenient, but it also makes it very easy to screw the wrong fuse into the socket. If an Edison-base fuse is screwed into a socket that requires a much higher voltage, it will blow immediately. If the fuse is screwed into a socket that requires much lower voltage, it will fail to blow even when dangerous levels of electricity are passing through the wire.
The potential for this error was eliminated with the introduction of the type S fuse, so called because the wire inside the fuse is bent into an S shape. The type S fuse is specially sized and designed so that fuses can only be screwed into the appropriate sockets. Still, fuses are considered too unreliable for use in the home and are used more often in cars these days.
In most homes, electrical safety is provided by a system of circuit breakers. Like a fuse, a circuit contains a bimetallic strip, through which the current passes. As the current increases, the strip begins to bend; if the current becomes too great, the strip will bend too much, and the circuit will be broken.
Of course, in order for a fuse or breaker to be effective, it must be at the right place in the circuit. For instance, many appliances contain a grounding wire, which connects the circuit with the casing (that is, the outside of the appliance). If a hot wire comes into contact with the casing, the current immediately blows the fuse or trips the breaker. In this arrangement, the switch, fuse, or circuit breaker must always be on the high-voltage, rather than the ground, side of the line. If the switch or fuse was placed on the ground side, an open circuit would have no current but would retain a potential current, which a person could complete, at his or her peril, by touching the appliance.

Electricity is an essential part of modern life, but it can be dangerous and even deadly if proper safety procedures are not followed. When the amount of current passing through a wire increases, so does the amount of heat generated. If the wires become too hot, they can start a fire. Therefore, before electricity could be used within the home, there needed to be devices that could diminish, divert, or turn off electrical current. The three most common tools for this purpose are fuses, breakers, and switches.
There are two main types of fuse available for use in homes: the Edison-base fuse and the type S fuse. An Edison-base fuse screws into a socket by means of a threaded, spiraled bottom, much like a lightbulb. This is convenient, but it also makes it very easy to screw the wrong fuse into the socket. If an Edison-base fuse is screwed into a socket that requires a much higher voltage, it will blow immediately. If the fuse is screwed into a socket that requires much lower voltage, it will fail to blow even when dangerous levels of electricity are passing through the wire.
The potential for this error was eliminated with the introduction of the type S fuse, so called because the wire inside the fuse is bent into an S shape. The type S fuse is specially sized and designed so that fuses can only be screwed into the appropriate sockets. Still, fuses are considered too unreliable for use in the home and are used more often in cars these days.
In most homes, electrical safety is provided by a system of circuit breakers. Like a fuse, a circuit contains a bimetallic strip, through which the current passes. As the current increases, the strip begins to bend; if the current becomes too great, the strip will bend too much, and the circuit will be broken.
Of course, in order for a fuse or breaker to be effective, it must be at the right place in the circuit. For instance, many appliances contain a grounding wire, which connects the circuit with the casing (that is, the outside of the appliance). If a hot wire comes into contact with the casing, the current immediately blows the fuse or trips the breaker. In this arrangement, the switch, fuse, or circuit breaker must always be on the high-voltage, rather than the ground, side of the line. If the switch or fuse was placed on the ground side, an open circuit would have no current but would retain a potential current, which a person could complete, at his or her peril, by touching the appliance.

Electricity is an essential part of modern life, but it can be dangerous and even deadly if proper safety procedures are not followed. When the amount of current passing through a wire increases, so does the amount of heat generated. If the wires become too hot, they can start a fire. Therefore, before electricity could be used within the home, there needed to be devices that could diminish, divert, or turn off electrical current. The three most common tools for this purpose are fuses, breakers, and switches.
There are two main types of fuse available for use in homes: the Edison-base fuse and the type S fuse. An Edison-base fuse screws into a socket by means of a threaded, spiraled bottom, much like a lightbulb. This is convenient, but it also makes it very easy to screw the wrong fuse into the socket. If an Edison-base fuse is screwed into a socket that requires a much higher voltage, it will blow immediately. If the fuse is screwed into a socket that requires much lower voltage, it will fail to blow even when dangerous levels of electricity are passing through the wire.
The potential for this error was eliminated with the introduction of the type S fuse, so called because the wire inside the fuse is bent into an S shape. The type S fuse is specially sized and designed so that fuses can only be screwed into the appropriate sockets. Still, fuses are considered too unreliable for use in the home and are used more often in cars these days.
In most homes, electrical safety is provided by a system of circuit breakers. Like a fuse, a circuit contains a bimetallic strip, through which the current passes. As the current increases, the strip begins to bend; if the current becomes too great, the strip will bend too much, and the circuit will be broken.
Of course, in order for a fuse or breaker to be effective, it must be at the right place in the circuit. For instance, many appliances contain a grounding wire, which connects the circuit with the casing (that is, the outside of the appliance). If a hot wire comes into contact with the casing, the current immediately blows the fuse or trips the breaker. In this arrangement, the switch, fuse, or circuit breaker must always be on the high-voltage, rather than the ground, side of the line. If the switch or fuse was placed on the ground side, an open circuit would have no current but would retain a potential current, which a person could complete, at his or her peril, by touching the appliance.

Electricity is an essential part of modern life, but it can be dangerous and even deadly if proper safety procedures are not followed. When the amount of current passing through a wire increases, so does the amount of heat generated. If the wires become too hot, they can start a fire. Therefore, before electricity could be used within the home, there needed to be devices that could diminish, divert, or turn off electrical current. The three most common tools for this purpose are fuses, breakers, and switches.
There are two main types of fuse available for use in homes: the Edison-base fuse and the type S fuse. An Edison-base fuse screws into a socket by means of a threaded, spiraled bottom, much like a lightbulb. This is convenient, but it also makes it very easy to screw the wrong fuse into the socket. If an Edison-base fuse is screwed into a socket that requires a much higher voltage, it will blow immediately. If the fuse is screwed into a socket that requires much lower voltage, it will fail to blow even when dangerous levels of electricity are passing through the wire.
The potential for this error was eliminated with the introduction of the type S fuse, so called because the wire inside the fuse is bent into an S shape. The type S fuse is specially sized and designed so that fuses can only be screwed into the appropriate sockets. Still, fuses are considered too unreliable for use in the home and are used more often in cars these days.
In most homes, electrical safety is provided by a system of circuit breakers. Like a fuse, a circuit contains a bimetallic strip, through which the current passes. As the current increases, the strip begins to bend; if the current becomes too great, the strip will bend too much, and the circuit will be broken.
Of course, in order for a fuse or breaker to be effective, it must be at the right place in the circuit. For instance, many appliances contain a grounding wire, which connects the circuit with the casing (that is, the outside of the appliance). If a hot wire comes into contact with the casing, the current immediately blows the fuse or trips the breaker. In this arrangement, the switch, fuse, or circuit breaker must always be on the high-voltage, rather than the ground, side of the line. If the switch or fuse was placed on the ground side, an open circuit would have no current but would retain a potential current, which a person could complete, at his or her peril, by touching the appliance.

Electricity is an essential part of modern life, but it can be dangerous and even deadly if proper safety procedures are not followed. When the amount of current passing through a wire increases, so does the amount of heat generated. If the wires become too hot, they can start a fire. Therefore, before electricity could be used within the home, there needed to be devices that could diminish, divert, or turn off electrical current. The three most common tools for this purpose are fuses, breakers, and switches.
There are two main types of fuse available for use in homes: the Edison-base fuse and the type S fuse. An Edison-base fuse screws into a socket by means of a threaded, spiraled bottom, much like a lightbulb. This is convenient, but it also makes it very easy to screw the wrong fuse into the socket. If an Edison-base fuse is screwed into a socket that requires a much higher voltage, it will blow immediately. If the fuse is screwed into a socket that requires much lower voltage, it will fail to blow even when dangerous levels of electricity are passing through the wire.
The potential for this error was eliminated with the introduction of the type S fuse, so called because the wire inside the fuse is bent into an S shape. The type S fuse is specially sized and designed so that fuses can only be screwed into the appropriate sockets. Still, fuses are considered too unreliable for use in the home and are used more often in cars these days.
In most homes, electrical safety is provided by a system of circuit breakers. Like a fuse, a circuit contains a bimetallic strip, through which the current passes. As the current increases, the strip begins to bend; if the current becomes too great, the strip will bend too much, and the circuit will be broken.
Of course, in order for a fuse or breaker to be effective, it must be at the right place in the circuit. For instance, many appliances contain a grounding wire, which connects the circuit with the casing (that is, the outside of the appliance). If a hot wire comes into contact with the casing, the current immediately blows the fuse or trips the breaker. In this arrangement, the switch, fuse, or circuit breaker must always be on the high-voltage, rather than the ground, side of the line. If the switch or fuse was placed on the ground side, an open circuit would have no current but would retain a potential current, which a person could complete, at his or her peril, by touching the appliance.

Electricity is an essential part of modern life, but it can be dangerous and even deadly if proper safety procedures are not followed. When the amount of current passing through a wire increases, so does the amount of heat generated. If the wires become too hot, they can start a fire. Therefore, before electricity could be used within the home, there needed to be devices that could diminish, divert, or turn off electrical current. The three most common tools for this purpose are fuses, breakers, and switches.
There are two main types of fuse available for use in homes: the Edison-base fuse and the type S fuse. An Edison-base fuse screws into a socket by means of a threaded, spiraled bottom, much like a lightbulb. This is convenient, but it also makes it very easy to screw the wrong fuse into the socket. If an Edison-base fuse is screwed into a socket that requires a much higher voltage, it will blow immediately. If the fuse is screwed into a socket that requires much lower voltage, it will fail to blow even when dangerous levels of electricity are passing through the wire.
The potential for this error was eliminated with the introduction of the type S fuse, so called because the wire inside the fuse is bent into an S shape. The type S fuse is specially sized and designed so that fuses can only be screwed into the appropriate sockets. Still, fuses are considered too unreliable for use in the home and are used more often in cars these days.
In most homes, electrical safety is provided by a system of circuit breakers. Like a fuse, a circuit contains a bimetallic strip, through which the current passes. As the current increases, the strip begins to bend; if the current becomes too great, the strip will bend too much, and the circuit will be broken.
Of course, in order for a fuse or breaker to be effective, it must be at the right place in the circuit. For instance, many appliances contain a grounding wire, which connects the circuit with the casing (that is, the outside of the appliance). If a hot wire comes into contact with the casing, the current immediately blows the fuse or trips the breaker. In this arrangement, the switch, fuse, or circuit breaker must always be on the high-voltage, rather than the ground, side of the line. If the switch or fuse was placed on the ground side, an open circuit would have no current but would retain a potential current, which a person could complete, at his or her peril, by touching the appliance.

A modern steam power plant is fairly simple in its operation. In short, a coal fire turns water into steam inside a turbine, and the resulting pressure drives an alternator. The steam is then condensed back into water so that it can be used again. This process seems fairly simple, though in recent decades it has been modified slightly to improve the efficiency of these plants.
In a modern steam power plant, coal arrives by means of road, rail, or water. A series of fuel feeding devices transport the coal to the furnaces, where it is burnt. All of the ash that is produced by the burning of coal will be shunted to the back of the furnace and placed on scrap conveyors, which will then remove the ash to a storage compartment. Modern coal-fired steam power plants have electronic controls that govern the relative amounts of air and coal allowed into the furnace, which moderates the rate of combustion.
Meanwhile, a fan draws air from the outside into the plant, where it is preheated and then further warmed by the flue gases as they pass to the chimney. This air is then sent into the furnace. The preheating of the furnace air improves the efficiency of the plant considerably.
The heat from the furnace converts the water in the turbines to steam, which powers an alternator. After this steam leaves the turbine, it enters a condenser, so that it can be reconverted to water and used again. The modern steam power plant uses a condensate pump to remove the water from the condenser, at which point it enters a low-pressure water heater. This heater receives its warmth from the steam that escapes from the turbine. The water is further reheated in a high-pressure water heater, and then it is pumped into a boiler. Inside the boiler, the water is converted into high-pressure wet steam, where it is heated even further and fed into the turbine.
At the same time, the modern steam power plant will be circulating cool water throughout the facility, but especially around the condenser. This water will be drawn from a nearby natural source, such as a river or lake. The plant will need to use filters to prevent sediment and other particulate matter from damaging the machinery.

A modern steam power plant is fairly simple in its operation. In short, a coal fire turns water into steam inside a turbine, and the resulting pressure drives an alternator. The steam is then condensed back into water so that it can be used again. This process seems fairly simple, though in recent decades it has been modified slightly to improve the efficiency of these plants.
In a modern steam power plant, coal arrives by means of road, rail, or water. A series of fuel feeding devices transport the coal to the furnaces, where it is burnt. All of the ash that is produced by the burning of coal will be shunted to the back of the furnace and placed on scrap conveyors, which will then remove the ash to a storage compartment. Modern coal-fired steam power plants have electronic controls that govern the relative amounts of air and coal allowed into the furnace, which moderates the rate of combustion.
Meanwhile, a fan draws air from the outside into the plant, where it is preheated and then further warmed by the flue gases as they pass to the chimney. This air is then sent into the furnace. The preheating of the furnace air improves the efficiency of the plant considerably.
The heat from the furnace converts the water in the turbines to steam, which powers an alternator. After this steam leaves the turbine, it enters a condenser, so that it can be reconverted to water and used again. The modern steam power plant uses a condensate pump to remove the water from the condenser, at which point it enters a low-pressure water heater. This heater receives its warmth from the steam that escapes from the turbine. The water is further reheated in a high-pressure water heater, and then it is pumped into a boiler. Inside the boiler, the water is converted into high-pressure wet steam, where it is heated even further and fed into the turbine.
At the same time, the modern steam power plant will be circulating cool water throughout the facility, but especially around the condenser. This water will be drawn from a nearby natural source, such as a river or lake. The plant will need to use filters to prevent sediment and other particulate matter from damaging the machinery.

A modern steam power plant is fairly simple in its operation. In short, a coal fire turns water into steam inside a turbine, and the resulting pressure drives an alternator. The steam is then condensed back into water so that it can be used again. This process seems fairly simple, though in recent decades it has been modified slightly to improve the efficiency of these plants.
In a modern steam power plant, coal arrives by means of road, rail, or water. A series of fuel feeding devices transport the coal to the furnaces, where it is burnt. All of the ash that is produced by the burning of coal will be shunted to the back of the furnace and placed on scrap conveyors, which will then remove the ash to a storage compartment. Modern coal-fired steam power plants have electronic controls that govern the relative amounts of air and coal allowed into the furnace, which moderates the rate of combustion.
Meanwhile, a fan draws air from the outside into the plant, where it is preheated and then further warmed by the flue gases as they pass to the chimney. This air is then sent into the furnace. The preheating of the furnace air improves the efficiency of the plant considerably.
The heat from the furnace converts the water in the turbines to steam, which powers an alternator. After this steam leaves the turbine, it enters a condenser, so that it can be reconverted to water and used again. The modern steam power plant uses a condensate pump to remove the water from the condenser, at which point it enters a low-pressure water heater. This heater receives its warmth from the steam that escapes from the turbine. The water is further reheated in a high-pressure water heater, and then it is pumped into a boiler. Inside the boiler, the water is converted into high-pressure wet steam, where it is heated even further and fed into the turbine.
At the same time, the modern steam power plant will be circulating cool water throughout the facility, but especially around the condenser. This water will be drawn from a nearby natural source, such as a river or lake. The plant will need to use filters to prevent sediment and other particulate matter from damaging the machinery.

A modern steam power plant is fairly simple in its operation. In short, a coal fire turns water into steam inside a turbine, and the resulting pressure drives an alternator. The steam is then condensed back into water so that it can be used again. This process seems fairly simple, though in recent decades it has been modified slightly to improve the efficiency of these plants.
In a modern steam power plant, coal arrives by means of road, rail, or water. A series of fuel feeding devices transport the coal to the furnaces, where it is burnt. All of the ash that is produced by the burning of coal will be shunted to the back of the furnace and placed on scrap conveyors, which will then remove the ash to a storage compartment. Modern coal-fired steam power plants have electronic controls that govern the relative amounts of air and coal allowed into the furnace, which moderates the rate of combustion.
Meanwhile, a fan draws air from the outside into the plant, where it is preheated and then further warmed by the flue gases as they pass to the chimney. This air is then sent into the furnace. The preheating of the furnace air improves the efficiency of the plant considerably.
The heat from the furnace converts the water in the turbines to steam, which powers an alternator. After this steam leaves the turbine, it enters a condenser, so that it can be reconverted to water and used again. The modern steam power plant uses a condensate pump to remove the water from the condenser, at which point it enters a low-pressure water heater. This heater receives its warmth from the steam that escapes from the turbine. The water is further reheated in a high-pressure water heater, and then it is pumped into a boiler. Inside the boiler, the water is converted into high-pressure wet steam, where it is heated even further and fed into the turbine.
At the same time, the modern steam power plant will be circulating cool water throughout the facility, but especially around the condenser. This water will be drawn from a nearby natural source, such as a river or lake. The plant will need to use filters to prevent sediment and other particulate matter from damaging the machinery.

A modern steam power plant is fairly simple in its operation. In short, a coal fire turns water into steam inside a turbine, and the resulting pressure drives an alternator. The steam is then condensed back into water so that it can be used again. This process seems fairly simple, though in recent decades it has been modified slightly to improve the efficiency of these plants.
In a modern steam power plant, coal arrives by means of road, rail, or water. A series of fuel feeding devices transport the coal to the furnaces, where it is burnt. All of the ash that is produced by the burning of coal will be shunted to the back of the furnace and placed on scrap conveyors, which will then remove the ash to a storage compartment. Modern coal-fired steam power plants have electronic controls that govern the relative amounts of air and coal allowed into the furnace, which moderates the rate of combustion.
Meanwhile, a fan draws air from the outside into the plant, where it is preheated and then further warmed by the flue gases as they pass to the chimney. This air is then sent into the furnace. The preheating of the furnace air improves the efficiency of the plant considerably.
The heat from the furnace converts the water in the turbines to steam, which powers an alternator. After this steam leaves the turbine, it enters a condenser, so that it can be reconverted to water and used again. The modern steam power plant uses a condensate pump to remove the water from the condenser, at which point it enters a low-pressure water heater. This heater receives its warmth from the steam that escapes from the turbine. The water is further reheated in a high-pressure water heater, and then it is pumped into a boiler. Inside the boiler, the water is converted into high-pressure wet steam, where it is heated even further and fed into the turbine.
At the same time, the modern steam power plant will be circulating cool water throughout the facility, but especially around the condenser. This water will be drawn from a nearby natural source, such as a river or lake. The plant will need to use filters to prevent sediment and other particulate matter from damaging the machinery.

A modern steam power plant is fairly simple in its operation. In short, a coal fire turns water into steam inside a turbine, and the resulting pressure drives an alternator. The steam is then condensed back into water so that it can be used again. This process seems fairly simple, though in recent decades it has been modified slightly to improve the efficiency of these plants.
In a modern steam power plant, coal arrives by means of road, rail, or water. A series of fuel feeding devices transport the coal to the furnaces, where it is burnt. All of the ash that is produced by the burning of coal will be shunted to the back of the furnace and placed on scrap conveyors, which will then remove the ash to a storage compartment. Modern coal-fired steam power plants have electronic controls that govern the relative amounts of air and coal allowed into the furnace, which moderates the rate of combustion.
Meanwhile, a fan draws air from the outside into the plant, where it is preheated and then further warmed by the flue gases as they pass to the chimney. This air is then sent into the furnace. The preheating of the furnace air improves the efficiency of the plant considerably.
The heat from the furnace converts the water in the turbines to steam, which powers an alternator. After this steam leaves the turbine, it enters a condenser, so that it can be reconverted to water and used again. The modern steam power plant uses a condensate pump to remove the water from the condenser, at which point it enters a low-pressure water heater. This heater receives its warmth from the steam that escapes from the turbine. The water is further reheated in a high-pressure water heater, and then it is pumped into a boiler. Inside the boiler, the water is converted into high-pressure wet steam, where it is heated even further and fed into the turbine.
At the same time, the modern steam power plant will be circulating cool water throughout the facility, but especially around the condenser. This water will be drawn from a nearby natural source, such as a river or lake. The plant will need to use filters to prevent sediment and other particulate matter from damaging the machinery.

A modern steam power plant is fairly simple in its operation. In short, a coal fire turns water into steam inside a turbine, and the resulting pressure drives an alternator. The steam is then condensed back into water so that it can be used again. This process seems fairly simple, though in recent decades it has been modified slightly to improve the efficiency of these plants.
In a modern steam power plant, coal arrives by means of road, rail, or water. A series of fuel feeding devices transport the coal to the furnaces, where it is burnt. All of the ash that is produced by the burning of coal will be shunted to the back of the furnace and placed on scrap conveyors, which will then remove the ash to a storage compartment. Modern coal-fired steam power plants have electronic controls that govern the relative amounts of air and coal allowed into the furnace, which moderates the rate of combustion.
Meanwhile, a fan draws air from the outside into the plant, where it is preheated and then further warmed by the flue gases as they pass to the chimney. This air is then sent into the furnace. The preheating of the furnace air improves the efficiency of the plant considerably.
The heat from the furnace converts the water in the turbines to steam, which powers an alternator. After this steam leaves the turbine, it enters a condenser, so that it can be reconverted to water and used again. The modern steam power plant uses a condensate pump to remove the water from the condenser, at which point it enters a low-pressure water heater. This heater receives its warmth from the steam that escapes from the turbine. The water is further reheated in a high-pressure water heater, and then it is pumped into a boiler. Inside the boiler, the water is converted into high-pressure wet steam, where it is heated even further and fed into the turbine.
At the same time, the modern steam power plant will be circulating cool water throughout the facility, but especially around the condenser. This water will be drawn from a nearby natural source, such as a river or lake. The plant will need to use filters to prevent sediment and other particulate matter from damaging the machinery.

Despite its bad reputation in the United States, nuclear power has some advantages for the environment over other sources of energy. Oil, coal, and natural gas all release carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming, but nuclear power does not. Moreover, nuclear power plants generate neither sulfur oxides nor nitrogen oxides, so they do not contribute to acid rain.
However, nuclear plants do generate hazardous waste. The rods used for fuel expire and need to be replaced. These rods are extremely radioactive. Moreover, there are thousands of nuclear power plants around the world, so the total amount of high-level nuclear waste is significant. In some countries, such as France, the problem of disposing of this material is solved by reusing it. However, in the United States the breeder reactors that make reuse possible have not been viable at the commercial level, so safely disposing of nuclear waste continues to bedevil politicians, plant owners, and environmentalists.
At present, a number of approaches are used in the United States for the disposal of waste. In over thirty states, high-level nuclear waste is stored in above-ground facilities. However, some groups are beginning to use geologic repository systems, in which the waste is encased in lead or concrete and buried in an underground tunnel. This method of disposal is promising, but it is impossible in areas where earthquakes are likely or where groundwater can seep in.
Another possibility is called subductive waste disposal. This entails attaching or embedding hazardous waste to a tectonic plate that is in the process of sliding underneath another and would therefore carry the waste into the Earth’s mantle. This inventive solution would most likely use the tectonic plates at the bottom of the ocean, both because these are out of the way and because they are the plates most actively engaged in subduction. However, the rate at which tectonic plates move is so slow (a few centimeters a year) that subductive waste disposal has largely been dismissed. Even its proponents admit that it would require storage techniques superior to those in use at present.
A final idea focuses on the disposal of weapons-grade plutonium. In what is known as the mixed oxide method, plutonium is mixed with uranium so that it can be used again in nuclear reactors. The waste that would result from this second round of power generation would be hazardous still, but less hazardous than the source plutonium. At the very least, the waste material derived from the mixed oxide method cannot be used in weaponry and is much easier to store.

Despite its bad reputation in the United States, nuclear power has some advantages for the environment over other sources of energy. Oil, coal, and natural gas all release carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming, but nuclear power does not. Moreover, nuclear power plants generate neither sulfur oxides nor nitrogen oxides, so they do not contribute to acid rain.
However, nuclear plants do generate hazardous waste. The rods used for fuel expire and need to be replaced. These rods are extremely radioactive. Moreover, there are thousands of nuclear power plants around the world, so the total amount of high-level nuclear waste is significant. In some countries, such as France, the problem of disposing of this material is solved by reusing it. However, in the United States the breeder reactors that make reuse possible have not been viable at the commercial level, so safely disposing of nuclear waste continues to bedevil politicians, plant owners, and environmentalists.
At present, a number of approaches are used in the United States for the disposal of waste. In over thirty states, high-level nuclear waste is stored in above-ground facilities. However, some groups are beginning to use geologic repository systems, in which the waste is encased in lead or concrete and buried in an underground tunnel. This method of disposal is promising, but it is impossible in areas where earthquakes are likely or where groundwater can seep in.
Another possibility is called subductive waste disposal. This entails attaching or embedding hazardous waste to a tectonic plate that is in the process of sliding underneath another and would therefore carry the waste into the Earth’s mantle. This inventive solution would most likely use the tectonic plates at the bottom of the ocean, both because these are out of the way and because they are the plates most actively engaged in subduction. However, the rate at which tectonic plates move is so slow (a few centimeters a year) that subductive waste disposal has largely been dismissed. Even its proponents admit that it would require storage techniques superior to those in use at present.
A final idea focuses on the disposal of weapons-grade plutonium. In what is known as the mixed oxide method, plutonium is mixed with uranium so that it can be used again in nuclear reactors. The waste that would result from this second round of power generation would be hazardous still, but less hazardous than the source plutonium. At the very least, the waste material derived from the mixed oxide method cannot be used in weaponry and is much easier to store.

Despite its bad reputation in the United States, nuclear power has some advantages for the environment over other sources of energy. Oil, coal, and natural gas all release carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming, but nuclear power does not. Moreover, nuclear power plants generate neither sulfur oxides nor nitrogen oxides, so they do not contribute to acid rain.
However, nuclear plants do generate hazardous waste. The rods used for fuel expire and need to be replaced. These rods are extremely radioactive. Moreover, there are thousands of nuclear power plants around the world, so the total amount of high-level nuclear waste is significant. In some countries, such as France, the problem of disposing of this material is solved by reusing it. However, in the United States the breeder reactors that make reuse possible have not been viable at the commercial level, so safely disposing of nuclear waste continues to bedevil politicians, plant owners, and environmentalists.
At present, a number of approaches are used in the United States for the disposal of waste. In over thirty states, high-level nuclear waste is stored in above-ground facilities. However, some groups are beginning to use geologic repository systems, in which the waste is encased in lead or concrete and buried in an underground tunnel. This method of disposal is promising, but it is impossible in areas where earthquakes are likely or where groundwater can seep in.
Another possibility is called subductive waste disposal. This entails attaching or embedding hazardous waste to a tectonic plate that is in the process of sliding underneath another and would therefore carry the waste into the Earth’s mantle. This inventive solution would most likely use the tectonic plates at the bottom of the ocean, both because these are out of the way and because they are the plates most actively engaged in subduction. However, the rate at which tectonic plates move is so slow (a few centimeters a year) that subductive waste disposal has largely been dismissed. Even its proponents admit that it would require storage techniques superior to those in use at present.
A final idea focuses on the disposal of weapons-grade plutonium. In what is known as the mixed oxide method, plutonium is mixed with uranium so that it can be used again in nuclear reactors. The waste that would result from this second round of power generation would be hazardous still, but less hazardous than the source plutonium. At the very least, the waste material derived from the mixed oxide method cannot be used in weaponry and is much easier to store.

Despite its bad reputation in the United States, nuclear power has some advantages for the environment over other sources of energy. Oil, coal, and natural gas all release carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming, but nuclear power does not. Moreover, nuclear power plants generate neither sulfur oxides nor nitrogen oxides, so they do not contribute to acid rain.
However, nuclear plants do generate hazardous waste. The rods used for fuel expire and need to be replaced. These rods are extremely radioactive. Moreover, there are thousands of nuclear power plants around the world, so the total amount of high-level nuclear waste is significant. In some countries, such as France, the problem of disposing of this material is solved by reusing it. However, in the United States the breeder reactors that make reuse possible have not been viable at the commercial level, so safely disposing of nuclear waste continues to bedevil politicians, plant owners, and environmentalists.
At present, a number of approaches are used in the United States for the disposal of waste. In over thirty states, high-level nuclear waste is stored in above-ground facilities. However, some groups are beginning to use geologic repository systems, in which the waste is encased in lead or concrete and buried in an underground tunnel. This method of disposal is promising, but it is impossible in areas where earthquakes are likely or where groundwater can seep in.
Another possibility is called subductive waste disposal. This entails attaching or embedding hazardous waste to a tectonic plate that is in the process of sliding underneath another and would therefore carry the waste into the Earth’s mantle. This inventive solution would most likely use the tectonic plates at the bottom of the ocean, both because these are out of the way and because they are the plates most actively engaged in subduction. However, the rate at which tectonic plates move is so slow (a few centimeters a year) that subductive waste disposal has largely been dismissed. Even its proponents admit that it would require storage techniques superior to those in use at present.
A final idea focuses on the disposal of weapons-grade plutonium. In what is known as the mixed oxide method, plutonium is mixed with uranium so that it can be used again in nuclear reactors. The waste that would result from this second round of power generation would be hazardous still, but less hazardous than the source plutonium. At the very least, the waste material derived from the mixed oxide method cannot be used in weaponry and is much easier to store.

Despite its bad reputation in the United States, nuclear power has some advantages for the environment over other sources of energy. Oil, coal, and natural gas all release carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming, but nuclear power does not. Moreover, nuclear power plants generate neither sulfur oxides nor nitrogen oxides, so they do not contribute to acid rain.
However, nuclear plants do generate hazardous waste. The rods used for fuel expire and need to be replaced. These rods are extremely radioactive. Moreover, there are thousands of nuclear power plants around the world, so the total amount of high-level nuclear waste is significant. In some countries, such as France, the problem of disposing of this material is solved by reusing it. However, in the United States the breeder reactors that make reuse possible have not been viable at the commercial level, so safely disposing of nuclear waste continues to bedevil politicians, plant owners, and environmentalists.
At present, a number of approaches are used in the United States for the disposal of waste. In over thirty states, high-level nuclear waste is stored in above-ground facilities. However, some groups are beginning to use geologic repository systems, in which the waste is encased in lead or concrete and buried in an underground tunnel. This method of disposal is promising, but it is impossible in areas where earthquakes are likely or where groundwater can seep in.
Another possibility is called subductive waste disposal. This entails attaching or embedding hazardous waste to a tectonic plate that is in the process of sliding underneath another and would therefore carry the waste into the Earth’s mantle. This inventive solution would most likely use the tectonic plates at the bottom of the ocean, both because these are out of the way and because they are the plates most actively engaged in subduction. However, the rate at which tectonic plates move is so slow (a few centimeters a year) that subductive waste disposal has largely been dismissed. Even its proponents admit that it would require storage techniques superior to those in use at present.
A final idea focuses on the disposal of weapons-grade plutonium. In what is known as the mixed oxide method, plutonium is mixed with uranium so that it can be used again in nuclear reactors. The waste that would result from this second round of power generation would be hazardous still, but less hazardous than the source plutonium. At the very least, the waste material derived from the mixed oxide method cannot be used in weaponry and is much easier to store.

Despite its bad reputation in the United States, nuclear power has some advantages for the environment over other sources of energy. Oil, coal, and natural gas all release carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming, but nuclear power does not. Moreover, nuclear power plants generate neither sulfur oxides nor nitrogen oxides, so they do not contribute to acid rain.
However, nuclear plants do generate hazardous waste. The rods used for fuel expire and need to be replaced. These rods are extremely radioactive. Moreover, there are thousands of nuclear power plants around the world, so the total amount of high-level nuclear waste is significant. In some countries, such as France, the problem of disposing of this material is solved by reusing it. However, in the United States the breeder reactors that make reuse possible have not been viable at the commercial level, so safely disposing of nuclear waste continues to bedevil politicians, plant owners, and environmentalists.
At present, a number of approaches are used in the United States for the disposal of waste. In over thirty states, high-level nuclear waste is stored in above-ground facilities. However, some groups are beginning to use geologic repository systems, in which the waste is encased in lead or concrete and buried in an underground tunnel. This method of disposal is promising, but it is impossible in areas where earthquakes are likely or where groundwater can seep in.
Another possibility is called subductive waste disposal. This entails attaching or embedding hazardous waste to a tectonic plate that is in the process of sliding underneath another and would therefore carry the waste into the Earth’s mantle. This inventive solution would most likely use the tectonic plates at the bottom of the ocean, both because these are out of the way and because they are the plates most actively engaged in subduction. However, the rate at which tectonic plates move is so slow (a few centimeters a year) that subductive waste disposal has largely been dismissed. Even its proponents admit that it would require storage techniques superior to those in use at present.
A final idea focuses on the disposal of weapons-grade plutonium. In what is known as the mixed oxide method, plutonium is mixed with uranium so that it can be used again in nuclear reactors. The waste that would result from this second round of power generation would be hazardous still, but less hazardous than the source plutonium. At the very least, the waste material derived from the mixed oxide method cannot be used in weaponry and is much easier to store.

Despite its bad reputation in the United States, nuclear power has some advantages for the environment over other sources of energy. Oil, coal, and natural gas all release carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming, but nuclear power does not. Moreover, nuclear power plants generate neither sulfur oxides nor nitrogen oxides, so they do not contribute to acid rain.
However, nuclear plants do generate hazardous waste. The rods used for fuel expire and need to be replaced. These rods are extremely radioactive. Moreover, there are thousands of nuclear power plants around the world, so the total amount of high-level nuclear waste is significant. In some countries, such as France, the problem of disposing of this material is solved by reusing it. However, in the United States the breeder reactors that make reuse possible have not been viable at the commercial level, so safely disposing of nuclear waste continues to bedevil politicians, plant owners, and environmentalists.
At present, a number of approaches are used in the United States for the disposal of waste. In over thirty states, high-level nuclear waste is stored in above-ground facilities. However, some groups are beginning to use geologic repository systems, in which the waste is encased in lead or concrete and buried in an underground tunnel. This method of disposal is promising, but it is impossible in areas where earthquakes are likely or where groundwater can seep in.
Another possibility is called subductive waste disposal. This entails attaching or embedding hazardous waste to a tectonic plate that is in the process of sliding underneath another and would therefore carry the waste into the Earth’s mantle. This inventive solution would most likely use the tectonic plates at the bottom of the ocean, both because these are out of the way and because they are the plates most actively engaged in subduction. However, the rate at which tectonic plates move is so slow (a few centimeters a year) that subductive waste disposal has largely been dismissed. Even its proponents admit that it would require storage techniques superior to those in use at present.
A final idea focuses on the disposal of weapons-grade plutonium. In what is known as the mixed oxide method, plutonium is mixed with uranium so that it can be used again in nuclear reactors. The waste that would result from this second round of power generation would be hazardous still, but less hazardous than the source plutonium. At the very least, the waste material derived from the mixed oxide method cannot be used in weaponry and is much easier to store.

Despite its bad reputation in the United States, nuclear power has some advantages for the environment over other sources of energy. Oil, coal, and natural gas all release carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming, but nuclear power does not. Moreover, nuclear power plants generate neither sulfur oxides nor nitrogen oxides, so they do not contribute to acid rain.
However, nuclear plants do generate hazardous waste. The rods used for fuel expire and need to be replaced. These rods are extremely radioactive. Moreover, there are thousands of nuclear power plants around the world, so the total amount of high-level nuclear waste is significant. In some countries, such as France, the problem of disposing of this material is solved by reusing it. However, in the United States the breeder reactors that make reuse possible have not been viable at the commercial level, so safely disposing of nuclear waste continues to bedevil politicians, plant owners, and environmentalists.
At present, a number of approaches are used in the United States for the disposal of waste. In over thirty states, high-level nuclear waste is stored in above-ground facilities. However, some groups are beginning to use geologic repository systems, in which the waste is encased in lead or concrete and buried in an underground tunnel. This method of disposal is promising, but it is impossible in areas where earthquakes are likely or where groundwater can seep in.
Another possibility is called subductive waste disposal. This entails attaching or embedding hazardous waste to a tectonic plate that is in the process of sliding underneath another and would therefore carry the waste into the Earth’s mantle. This inventive solution would most likely use the tectonic plates at the bottom of the ocean, both because these are out of the way and because they are the plates most actively engaged in subduction. However, the rate at which tectonic plates move is so slow (a few centimeters a year) that subductive waste disposal has largely been dismissed. Even its proponents admit that it would require storage techniques superior to those in use at present.
A final idea focuses on the disposal of weapons-grade plutonium. In what is known as the mixed oxide method, plutonium is mixed with uranium so that it can be used again in nuclear reactors. The waste that would result from this second round of power generation would be hazardous still, but less hazardous than the source plutonium. At the very least, the waste material derived from the mixed oxide method cannot be used in weaponry and is much easier to store.