Amber Lab Report

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Colorado Technical University *

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203

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Electrical Engineering

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Dec 6, 2023

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Name: Amber Ramsey Date: 08/05/2020 Instructor’s Name: Juleen Lam Assignment: SCI203 Phase 4 Lab Report Title: Analysis of Energy Sources Instructions: You will write a 1-page lab report using the scientific method. When your lab report is complete – submit it in the classroom. Part I: Using the lab animation, fill in the data table below to gather your data, and use it to help you generate your hypothesis, outcomes, and analysis . Energy Source Fuel (Coal)/Ura CO 2 Emissions Sulfur Dioxide and Radioactivity mSv Solid Waste Accident s

nium Needed (tons) (tons) Other Emissions (tons) (millisievert) (tons) Coal Q1 625,000 1.75 mil 75,000 0.25 mSv 150,000 Coal Q2 1.25 mil 3.5 mil 150,000 0.5 mSv 300,000 Health impairme nts Coal Q3 1.875 mil 5.25 mil 225,000 0.75 mSv 450,000 Worker Fatalities Coal Q4 2.5 mil 7 mil 300,000 1 mSv 600,000 Fire Destructi on Nuclear Q1 18,750/7.5 52,500 0 0.0025 mSv 62.5 N/A Nuclear Q2 37,500/15 105,000 0 0.005 mSv 125 N/A Nuclear Q3 56,250/22. 5 157,500 0 0.0075 mSv 187.5 Minor emission s Nuclear Q4 75,000/30 210,000 0 0.01 mSv 250 Catastrop hic release that lead to radiation

sickness, death, and environm ental contamin ation Part II: Write a 1-page lab report using the following scientific method sections:  Purpose The purpose of this report on energy resources is to determine which electricity generation of coal or nuclear power plants are better for the environment and human sustainability. This includes our health as well as the amount of waste that is produced from each practice.  Introduction Coal and nuclear power plants are the two most used sources to retain energy. Nuclear energy uses a series of machines that control nuclear fissions to produce electricity and emit minimal amounts of uranium. Coal is a nonrenewable element that uses thermal heat to turn water into steam, the steam at very high pressure is used in an electrical generator which causes energy, however releases carbon dioxide emissions. Given this information we need to act accordingly to make sure we are making decisions that lead to a more sustainable environment.  Hypothesis/Predicted Outcome

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With coal being a nonrenewable source and has major adverse impacts to our environment, I would foresee that more nuclear power plants will be built in replacement of coal to emit fewer damaging chemicals into our atmosphere.  Methods In the table above, I have observed 4 quarters and the effects on both coal and nuclear power plants. I documented the use of fuel used, CO2 emissions, sulfur dioxide, radioactivity, waste, and accidents between the use of coal and nuclear power in each quarter. This data was then added and used to compare the impacts of both energy sources to determine which source is more renewable and which had less health or environmental effects.  Results/Outcome From what I have observed, I found that coal released more emissions and has a bigger impact on our environment. When adding the amount used from all four quarters you will find that coal used 7.50 tons of CO2 emissions, and 750,000 mil tons of sulfur dioxide and other emissions 2.50 radioactivity and 1,500,000 tons of solid waste. Nuclear used far less emissions at 525,000 tons of CO2 emissions, 0 sulfur dioxide and other emissions, 0.0250 radioactivity and 625.00 tons of solid waste. There are both health risks for the environment and human health, coal being something more immediate with seeing that in Q2 through Q4 health impairments became a factor as well as fatalities and destruction compared to nuclear energy.  Discussion/Analysis Based on my analysis between the two energy sources, I find that even though coal is a natural element, the use of this can cause more significant harm to the environment. Despite coal being a natural resource, when used as a source of energy it can be fatal to everyone. Radiation can be

measured using sieverts and based upon research, when using coal to create electricity it is over 100 times more radioactive than when using nuclear energy. Being exposed to such high levels of radioactive waves have been known to cause adverse health effects, including cancerous issues and often death. By building more nuclear plants I feel that we could reduce waste, lower greenhouse emissions, and increase health conditions to all parties. References: Nebel, B.J., & Wright, R. T. (2008). Environmental science: Toward a sustainable future. (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall. Mahmud, M (2020). Power Plant Retrieved from : https://www.studentenergy.org/topics/power- plant