Question

Explain the two advantages and the two disadvantages of fission as an energy source.

Answer 1

Answer with Explanation:

1) The advantages of fission energy are:

a) Higher concentration of energy : Concentration of energy or the energy density is defined as the amount of energy that is produced by burning a unit mass of the fuel. The nuclear energy obtained by fission has the highest energy density among all the other natural sources of energy such as coal,gas,e.t.c.

b) Cheap source of energy : The cost at which the energy is produced by a nuclear reactor after it is operational is the lowest among all the other sources of energy such as coal, solar,e.t.c

2) The disadvantages of fission energy are:

a) Highly dangerous residue: The fuel that is left unspent is highly radioactive and thus is very dangerous. Usually the residual material is taken deep into the earth for it's disposal.

b) It has high initial costs of design and development: The cost to design a nuclear reactor and to built one after it is designed is the most among all other types of energy sources and requires highly skilled personnel for operation.