Band 6+: The diagram below shows how uranium is used in the production of nuclear power. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The diagram illustrates in six stages how uranium is used in the generation of nuclear power.

Overall, uranium is converted into usable electricity in three stages, while the remaining three stages are for the management of by-products.

Initially, uranium is mined from underground as an ordinary mineral, and it is later customised and processed into U-235 fuel pellets. Furthermore, the pellets are used as combustion fuel for nuclear power generators. Thus, they are burnt to produce electricity that is fed into the national grid for normal industrial and home use.

Secondly, having been renewable for up to four years, non-usable uranium fuel pellets, which can not be reprocessed are discarded using secure drums and other suitable packaging. Uranium by-products are extremely dangerous since they produce harmful radiation, thus they are buried underground.

Finally, useful fuel is re-processed to remove impurities and then fed to the national power to be used in homes and industries. Thus, though uranium can be used to produce dangerous weapons, it is useful in electricity generation.