Question

Conventional fossil fuels are harmful to the environment. Alternative solutions include using nuclear energy or solar energy. A decision to opt for solar power over nuclear energy might be based on which of these facts?

Answer 1

Explanation:

Nuclear energy is created by the process of splitting atoms such as uranium atoms into smaller and lighter atoms and thereby converting the "lost" mass into heat. This lost mass is consequently used in production of electricity.

Solar Energy generation on the other hand is achieved by converting the radiation of the sun via solar panels and cells to electric current.

The disadvantages of nuclear energy over solar energy include the following :

a. SECURITY MATTERS : People who do not have very healthy intentions can easily target nuclear plants with the sole purpose of causing problems while uranium ( the chief ingredient for nuclear power generation) can be converted to nuclear weapons if the wrong people come in contact with it. This disadvantage obviously doesn't apply to solar energy generation

b. ACCIDENT: Nuclear energy isn't as safe as solar energy.

c. THE IMPACT ON THE ENVIRONMENT: Enrichment and mining of uranium are not processes that one can consider friendly to our environment. Open mining for uranium constitutes radioactive particles which can cause erosion and pollute water bodies or sources. This is not the case in solar power generation.

Answer 2

Answer: solar energy is renewable and less radioactive

Explanation: The fact that solar energy is renewable and less radioactive gives it an edge over nuclear energy. Nuclear energy is generated from fission of nuclear elements which are rare and are not readily available.