Reading to be done before Class: CES pp. 205-226
Come to class with a basic familiarity with the following concepts and ideas: Atom, nucleus, protons, neutrons, atomic number, mass number, isotopes, fission, how nuclear reactor works, nuclear enrichment, control rods, primary and secondary containment structures. Tennessee Valley Authority case study.
Additional Assignment: Optional Read recent Wired Article "Nuclear Now!" or National Geographic articles in print (April 2006).

Nuclear Energy

• Structure of an Atom
  • Isotopes
  • Atomic Number and Mass Number
• Enrichment
• Radioactivity
  • Half Life
• Nuclear Reactors
• Fission
• Reactor Design
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Nuclear Power
  • Pollution
  • Mining
  • Reactor Safety
  • Waste Disposal
  • Decomissioning
  • Weapons
  • Cost

   

• Chernobyl slide show from NGS