Stephanie OkparaSeptember 1, 2009

AP Biology- Pd 1Chernobyl Disaster

The “Chernobyl Disaster” took place at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine on April

26, 1986 at 1:23 a.m. The disaster reminds me of a domino effect. Reactor 4 exploded which caused a

steam explosion followed by a chemical explosion from the ignition of generated hydrogen mixed with

air, which tore the top from the reactor and its building. This happening exposed the reactor’s core,

which sent large amounts of radioactive particles and highly radioactive waste products into the air. A

graphite moderator caught on fire and heightened the releasing of radioactive particles. These

radioactive particles were even transported to other countries by the wind. The Chernobyl Disaster is

significant because it is, by far, was the worst accident in nuclear power and still has effects in the local

areas.