Which statement is a pro of nuclear energy?

• A. It has no waste management concerns.
• B. It emits a lot of carbon dioxide during operation.
• C. It has less of an immediate environmental impact than fossil fuels, is carbon-free, and may enable hydrogen fuel production.
• D. It can't generate electricity.

Answer: (C)

The main point this question tests is how nuclear energy can offer low-emission electricity and support future low-carbon fuels. Nuclear power provides large amounts of electricity with very low air pollutants, so its immediate environmental impact is much smaller than that of fossil fuels. During operation, it produces little to no carbon dioxide, which is why it’s described as carbon-free in many comparisons. It also has the potential to support hydrogen production, since abundant, low-carbon electricity from reactors can power electrolysis to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, enabling a low-emission hydrogen fuel pathway.

This makes the statement the best choice: it highlights the reduced immediate environmental impact, the low operating-carbon footprint, and the possibility of using nuclear electricity to produce hydrogen. The other options are not accurate: nuclear energy does involve waste management challenges; it does not emit a lot of CO2 during operation; and it certainly can generate electricity.