6. A(n) advantage of nuclear energy is that it does not pollute the air or water unless something goes wrong with the plant.

Yes, you're correct. One significant advantage of nuclear energy is that it **does not produce air or water pollution during normal operation**. Here's a bit more detail: ### **Advantages of Nuclear Energy:** 1. **Low Greenhouse Gas Emissions:** Nuclear power plants emit minimal greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuel-based energy sources like coal, oil, and natural gas. This makes nuclear energy a cleaner alternative in terms of combating climate change. 2. **High Energy Density:** A small amount of nuclear fuel can produce a large amount of energy. This high energy density means that nuclear power can generate vast amounts of electricity from relatively small quantities of fuel. 3. **Reliable Energy Source:** Unlike some renewable sources like solar or wind, nuclear energy provides a constant and stable supply of electricity, regardless of weather conditions. 4. **Minimal Air and Water Pollution:** As you mentioned, under normal operating conditions, nuclear power plants do not emit pollutants that degrade air or water quality. This contrasts sharply with fossil fuel plants, which release pollutants that contribute to air quality issues and water contamination. ### **Considerations and Challenges:** While nuclear energy has these advantages, it's also important to acknowledge the challenges associated with it: - **Nuclear Accidents:** Accidental releases of radioactive materials, although rare, can have severe and long-lasting environmental and health impacts (e.g., Chernobyl, Fukushima). - **Radioactive Waste:** Managing and disposing of nuclear waste safely remains a significant challenge, as it remains hazardous for thousands of years. - **High Initial Costs:** Building nuclear power plants requires substantial upfront investment, and the construction process can be time-consuming. - **Public Perception:** Concerns about safety and radioactive waste can lead to public opposition against nuclear energy projects. ### **Conclusion:** Nuclear energy offers the advantage of low air and water pollution during normal operations, making it a valuable component in strategies to reduce overall environmental impact and combat climate change. However, it's essential to balance these benefits with careful management of the associated risks and challenges. If you have any more questions or need further clarification on nuclear energy or related topics, feel free to ask!