Year 9 Science · Unit 3 · Lesson 13
Challenge Worksheet
Learning Goals
Compare two
Complete the table to compare nuclear and coal power on each feature. Use your lesson knowledge, most cells should be filled by you.
| Feature | Nuclear Power | Coal Power |
|---|---|---|
| CO₂ emissions during operation | ||
| Type of waste produced | ||
| Land area required | ||
| Reliability (baseload or intermittent?) | ||
| General public perception in Australia | ||
| Upfront construction cost |
What if…?
Scenario
In 2035, Australia announces it will build its first nuclear power plant using advanced small modular reactor (SMR) technology. SMRs are compact, factory-built reactors that produce between 50–300 MW each (compared to a traditional plant's 1,000+ MW). They are designed to be faster to build, safer, and cheaper per unit than large conventional reactors.
(a) Predict how Australia's energy mix might change if several SMRs come online by 2040. Which existing energy sources might they replace, and why?
(b) Explain ONE advantage of SMR nuclear power over coal specifically for addressing Australia's climate goals.
(c) Explain ONE disadvantage of nuclear SMRs compared to solar and wind energy in Australia's context.
(d) Why is the public debate about nuclear power in Australia more complex than just looking at the technical facts? Identify at least TWO non-technical factors that influence the debate.
Wrap Up
In one sentence, what was the main idea of this lesson?