Nuclear power stations are the same as fossil fuel power stations, but use a different way of creating heat energy for the boiler.
The nuclear fuels are:

Uranium
Plutonium.

As with any type of energy source, there are advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:

Nuclear reactions release a lot more energy than chemical reactions.
A nuclear power station doesn't produce carbon dioxide when producing electricity.
Nuclear fuel is relatively cheap.
Reliable.

Disadvantages:

Nuclear power stations produce radioactive waste - this can be very dangerous and difficult to dispose of, as it emits ionising radiation and stays radioactive for a long time.
Nuclear power needs extra safety precautions - waste needs disposing of carefully, the surrounding area needs to be tested for contamination of the soil and water, and workers need to be tested regularly to check they've not been exposed to too much radiation.
People who live close to nuclear power stations are scared of the risks.
Nuclear power stations take the longest time of all the power stations to start up. The overall cost of nuclear power is high due to the cost of the power plant and final decommissioning.
Nuclear accidents cause sickness or even death, spreading over a wide area.
Uranium and Plutonium will run out, they are non-renewable.

Radioactive Waste.
All nuclear power stations produce 'radioactive waste'.
They don't produce greenhouse gases, but a solid, physical substance which can cause cancer.
The waste is stored in metal tanks under water. They are closely monitored, and left to become unradioactive.

	Created by darkangelforgiven over 10 years ago

gcse Physics (Generating Electricity) Note on Power Stations, created by darkangelforgiven on 20/10/2013.

Power Stations