How much more energy does uranium have per kilogram compared to fossil fuels?

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Prepare for UCF's PHY1038 Physics of Energy, Climate Change, and Environment Exam 2. Use our features like flashcards and in-depth explanations for each question to boost your preparation and confidence!

Uranium possesses a significantly higher energy density compared to fossil fuels, which is a key factor in its use as a nuclear fuel. When uranium undergoes fission, a process where its nuclei split apart, it releases an immense amount of energy. The energy released from uranium fission can be several million times greater than that from the combustion of fossil fuels.

Typically, uranium-235, one of the isotopes used in nuclear reactors, can release about 24,000 megajoules of energy per kilogram. In comparison, the energy content of fossil fuels like coal, oil, or natural gas is generally in the range of about 25 to 40 megajoules per kilogram.

Considering these values, when comparing the total energy produced from uranium with that from fossil fuels, uranium indeed has about 10 million times more energy per kilogram than fossil fuels. This immense difference underscores why nuclear energy is considered a powerful alternative energy source in discussions about sustainable energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The option indicating this comparison aligns with the data available on energy densities of various fuels and illustrates the substantial benefit of using uranium in energy generation.