Read the passage and answer the questions that follow: For more than nine decades scientists have tried to replicate the process that produces energy for the sun and stars-fusion. On Tuesday, researchers at the National Ignition Facility (NIF) in California, USA, announced a milestone in this endeavour. They merged two nuclei to produce a heavier nucleus. Their reactor produced about 1.5 times more energy than what was used in the process. In all the earlier attempts to harness the power of fusion, the reactors used up more energy than what was produced. But scientists say that it will be at least two decades before the process pioneered in the California laboratory can be scaled up. Even then, in a world desperately searching for technologies that can power the developmental needs of nations adding to the GHG load, the break-through at NIF has generated excitement. Several countries are shifting to renewable energies to meet their international climate-related commitments. Yet, power generation currently is responsible for 25-30 percent of global GHG emissions. The inherently unstable nature of renewables means that countries find it very difficult to jettison fossil-fuel energy sources. Conventionally-produced nuclear energy-that uses fission technology-is relatively cleaner. But accidents at Chernobyl in 1986 and Fukushima in 2011 have raised serious questions over the safety of fission-powedered plants.
Given below are two statements: Statement I: Energy produced in the sun and the stars is through fission. Statement II: Energy produced through fission is relatively cleaner as compared to that from fossil fuels. In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Analyzing Energy Production Processes: Fusion and Fission
The question asks us to evaluate two statements based on the provided passage about energy production, specifically focusing on fusion and fission.
Statement I: Energy produced in the sun and the stars is through fission.
- Let's examine the passage regarding energy generation in the sun and stars.
- The passage states: "For more than nine decades scientists have tried to replicate the process that produces energy for the sun and stars-fusion."
- This directly tells us that the process producing energy in the sun and stars is fusion, not fission.
- Therefore, Statement I, which claims energy is produced through fission in the sun and stars, contradicts the information given in the passage.
Based on the passage, Statement I is false.
Statement II: Energy produced through fission is relatively cleaner as compared to that from fossil fuels.
- Now let's look at the passage concerning energy produced through fission.
- The passage mentions: "Conventionally-produced nuclear energy-that uses fission technology-is relatively cleaner."
- The passage discusses the context of energy sources contributing to "GHG load" (Greenhouse Gas emissions) and countries shifting away from fossil fuels.
- The statement that fission energy is "relatively cleaner" implies a comparison to other energy sources discussed, such as fossil fuels, which are directly linked to GHG emissions in the passage.
- While the passage also raises safety concerns about fission due to accidents (Chernobyl, Fukushima), it explicitly labels it as "relatively cleaner" in terms of emissions compared to alternatives like fossil fuels (which contribute significantly to GHG load).
Based on the passage, Statement II is true as it states fission energy is relatively cleaner, which is supported by the text in the context of fossil fuel alternatives.
Conclusion based on Statement Analysis
- Statement I is false.
- Statement II is true.
We need to find the option that matches this conclusion.
The correct combination is Statement I is false and Statement II is true.
| Statement | Based on Passage | Truth Value |
|---|---|---|
| Energy produced in the sun and the stars is through fission. | Passage says 'fusion' for sun/stars energy. | False |
| Energy produced through fission is relatively cleaner as compared to that from fossil fuels. | Passage says fission technology is 'relatively cleaner'. | True |
Therefore, the option that states Statement I is false but Statement II is true is the correct answer.
Revision Table: Fusion vs Fission Energy
| Feature | Nuclear Fusion | Nuclear Fission |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Combining light nuclei to form a heavier nucleus. | Splitting a heavy nucleus into lighter nuclei. |
| Energy Source for Sun/Stars | Yes (Primary Process) | No |
| Energy Source for Conventional Nuclear Plants | Currently experimental/not commercially viable | Yes (Primary Process) |
| Energy Yield (relative to fuel mass) | Higher | Lower |
| Waste Products | Less radioactive, shorter half-life | Highly radioactive, longer half-life |
| Initiation | Requires extremely high temperatures and pressure | Easier to initiate and control chain reaction |
Additional Information: Energy Sources and Environmental Impact
Understanding different energy sources and their impact is crucial. The passage highlights the challenges of meeting developmental needs while managing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
- Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas are major sources of energy but release significant amounts of GHGs when burned, contributing to climate change. They are responsible for a large percentage of global GHG emissions.
- Renewable Energies: Sources like solar, wind, and hydro are cleaner in terms of emissions during operation. However, as the passage mentions, their inherently unstable nature (e.g., solar and wind are intermittent) makes it challenging for countries to rely solely on them, often necessitating backup from other sources.
- Nuclear Fission Energy: This technology powers conventional nuclear plants. It does not produce GHG emissions during operation, making it "relatively cleaner" compared to fossil fuels from a climate perspective. However, it faces challenges related to radioactive waste disposal and safety concerns due to the potential for accidents, as highlighted by Chernobyl and Fukushima.
- Nuclear Fusion Energy: The process that powers the sun and stars. It involves merging atoms and promises a potentially vast, clean energy source with fewer long-lived radioactive waste products than fission. However, achieving and sustaining the necessary conditions (extremely high temperatures and pressures) on Earth is technically very challenging, as the passage notes (still decades away from scaling up).
The passage underscores the global search for sustainable energy technologies that can meet growing demand without worsening the climate crisis, contrasting the potential of fusion with the current reliance on fission and the challenges of renewables and fossil fuels.
Important Questions from Reading Comprehension
Why, according to the writer can't people be motivated to use a resource prudently?
1. They feel that others may overuse the resource
2. It is possible to substitute the resource
3. Abundance of the resource availability
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
When do people use resources exhaustively?
The self-interest of people affects the use of renewable resources
People rooted in a locality
Which among the following is closest in meaning with the word 'deplete'?
