Nuclear Energy: Theory of Knowledge

Advantages of nuclear energy in relation to its usage as an energy source:

Nuclear power plants dont produce smoke Emits relatively low amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, therefore contributing relatively little to global warming Technology is already available and doesnt need to be developed A single plant generates a high amount of electrical energy more energy than renewable energy sources such as solar panels and wind turbines Land usage: to generate the equivalent of a 1000 megawatt plant, a wind farm would require at least 150 000 hectares of land. By comparison, a typical nuclear power plant would only require 100 hectares of land

Disadvantages of nuclear energy in relation to its usage as an energy source:

Radioactive waste isnt biodegradable and is extremely dangerous plus, each plant accrues 20-30 tons of this waste annually Although nuclear energy appears less expensive, its costs include the building and maintaining of plants, long-term storage of nuclear waste and the expense of retaining skilled labourers Developing countries may have issues with the enforcement of safety measures and the disposal of nuclear waste Possible dangers such as the development of nuclear weapons or the theft of plutonium to make dirty bombs Accidents involving nuclear waste have widespread impacts. Examples of these accidents include the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and the 1979 partial meltdown of a reactor at Three Mile Island Although nuclear plants use measures such as screens to prevent adult fish from being sucked into cooling water systems, these dont stop microscopic plankton from being sucked in. Larger animals such as seals can also become trapped against these filters and drown There are many health issues associated with being near a nuclear power plant, such as increased risk of cancer. A study in America found that 268 counties within 50 miles of nuclear reactors had breast cancer death rates that were 10 times the national average The amount time and effort needed to plan and build a nuclear power plant can means it is not a quickly developing resource

TOK Analysis:
The prominent debate regarding nuclear energy is increasingly relevant to our society. Previously on this page, nuclear energy has been addressed in terms of its advantages and disadvantages but it is also extremely important to consider this issue in terms of what IB students have learnt in Theory of Knowledge. Relevant Areas of Knowledge: Natural Sciences the study of Chemistry and Physics shows how nuclear power plants provide electrical energy and also explain the drastic impacts caused by disasters such as Chernobyl History it is important to see how far we have progressed and what technological developments we have made, while also remembering to learn from our mistakes e.g. the meltdown of the reactor at Three Mile Island Ethics How does our consideration of ethical principles affect our perception of the use of nuclear energy? For example, is it justifiable to place the lives of people living near nuclear power plants at risk, or to use nuclear energy knowing the materials can be used for terrorist attacks, or that nuclear waste is often not disposed of properly in developing countries? Human Sciences In particular, Economics is extremely important when considering the value of an energy source. In the list of advantages of disadvantages given above, there is emphasis placed upon how nuclear energy is economically viable compared to renewable energy sources such as solar panels Relevant Ways of Knowing: Reason Making the decision to use nuclear energy based on the facts e.g. economical advantages and scientific reasoning The knowledge issues that concern this topic include: What is the role of Reason as a Way of Knowing in the area of Science? What conclusions can we draw from the use of inductive reasoning in reference to historical events such as Chernobyl or Fukushima/Hiroshima? What Ways of Knowing can help us determine whether the use of nuclear energy is more justifiable than the use of renewable energy sources? Source What are the Four Ways of Knowing? Deductive versus Inductive Reasoning TOK Presentation Guide Knowledge Issues Time for Change: pros and cons of nuclear Date Viewed 13th September 2012 13th September 2012 13th September 2012 20th September 2012 URL http://www.toktalk.net/2009/12/06/whatare-the-four-ways-of-knowing-woks/ http://www.nakedscience.org/mrg/Deductiv e%20and%20Inductive%20Reasoning.htm http://www.ibsurvival.com/topic/13822-tokpresentation-guide/page__pid__107479 http://timeforchange.org/pros-and-cons-ofnuclear-power-and-sustainability