Nuclear power
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can compare the pros and cons of the generation of electricity using nuclear power.
Key learning points
- The products and by–products of nuclear fission are often radioactive.
- The products and by–products of nuclear fission need to be safely stored for very long periods of time.
- Nuclear reactors do not emit carbon dioxide and risks of catastrophic failure are very small.
- Nuclear fusion requires extremely high temperatures such as those found in the centre of stars.
- Nuclear fusion power stations would create very little radioactive waste, but have not yet been developed.
Keywords
Nuclear waste - produced in nuclear power plants; high–level waste is the most radioactive and dangerous
Radioactive contamination - caused when radioactive materials are released into the environment
Decommissioning - the process of shutting down and dismantling a nuclear power plant, which is very expensive
Carbon emissions - emitted from fossil fuel power stations and are mostly carbon dioxide, which is a greenhouse gas
Nuclear fusion - the combining of small nuclei at very high temperatures with the release of energy
Common misconception
Nuclear power stations continually emit radiation into the environment.
Clearly distinguish day–to–day processes and the lack of emissions from the generation of nuclear waste, and methods for dealing with it.
Teacher tip
A debate activity is provided in the additional materials for this lesson as an alternative to task C. Using this task provides opportunity for pupils to consolidate their understanding by applying it to a new situation and by responding to alternative arguments.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What happens when a nucleus undergoes fission in a nuclear reactor?
Q2.What produces the energy in a nuclear power station?
Q3.How is heat transferred from the reactor core to produce steam in a nuclear power station?
Q4.What role does steam play in generating electricity in a nuclear power station?
Q5.What is the role of control rods in a nuclear reactor?
Q6.Which of the following statements about nuclear and fossil–fuel power stations are correct?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Why are the products of nuclear fission often radioactive?
Q2.Which of the following statements about fission by–products is correct?
Q3.Match the following levels of radioactive waste to the correct descriptions.
contains small amounts of radioactivity, often from hospitals/industry
more radioactive than LLW and requires shielding but not cooling
extremely radioactive and requires cooling and long–term storage
Q4.How does the risk of catastrophic failure in modern nuclear reactors compare to other energy sources?
Q5.Why would fusion reactors be considered better than fission reactors?
Q6.Why have nuclear fusion power stations not yet been developed?
To help you plan your 11 physics lesson on: Nuclear power, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 physics lesson on: Nuclear power, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 physics lessons from the Nuclear physics unit, dive into the full secondary physics curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.