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This is done in fast breeder reactors. Uranium-238 is put into the operating reactor where it is exposed to the neutron flux. When 238U captures a fast neutron (a high energy one - not one that has been slowed down or thermalized), it transforms into 239Pu through the intermediate step of 239U and 239Np. U-238 (non-fissile) + n -> U-239 -> Np-239 -> Pu-239 (fissile)
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∙ 15y ago
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∙ 13y agoIsotopes of plutonium can be prepared from uranium 238 bombarding this isotope with neutrons or deuterons.
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∙ 13y agoThe fissile isotopes of plutonium (239Pu and 241Pu) can be destroyed by nuclear fission in nuclear reactors; the other isotopes are now practically indestructible.
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∙ 12y agoThe nuclear reaction is the following:
23892U + n-------23992U-------23993Np + e--------23994Pu + e
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∙ 9y agoAdd your answer:
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In a breeder reactor a. Plutonium is converted into uranium or b. Uranium is converted into plutonium?
Uranium. A breeder reactor can use either Uranium, Plutonium, or mixed Transuranic elements for fuel. Depleted Uranium or Thorium is used as the breeding blanket. Periodically the breeding blanket is changed: the old one reprocessed to make new fuel.
Fuel rods in nuclear reactors are made up of pellets of?
We usually find that uranium is used as fuel in nuclear reactors (though some use plutonium).
Does the government use uranium?
Yes, the government uses uranium. Uranium is mined, refined and then enriched to provide nuclear fuel for nuclear reactors. Depleted uranium, the uranium "left over" from enrichment, is used in munitions to defeat armor, and in some types of armor. On a related note, enriched uranium is in demand by some sovern states and religeous/political factions to make nuclear weapons, though the "modern" nuclear powers use plutonium as the fissionable element in their nuclear devices. The plutonium is made by "soaking" uranium in the neutron flux of an operating nuclear reactor for a time. This changes (transmutes) some of the uranium to plutonium, which is then recovered and processed.
What is pluton made of?
A very small amount of plutonium is found in nature. The majority of it is produced artificially.The majority of plutonium is made in nuclear reactors:uranium-238 captures a neutron, becoming uranium-239uranium-239 undergoes beta decay, becoming neptunium-239 (halflife 23.5 minutes)neptunium-239 undergoes beta decay, becoming plutonium-239 (halflife 2.33 days)plutonium is then chemically separated from the remaining uranium, neptunium, etc.
How many kilograms of Uranium-238 did the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki each contain?
None. The first atomic bomb was made with enriched uranium. Note: There is a "slight technicality" with this one. Here's the deal. Any time that a small quantity (or a slightly larger quantity) of uranium is found, either in nature or in the physics lab, there will be a tiny bit of plutonium in the sample. Only the tiniest bit, but it will be there. Uranium's isotopes are all unstable, and they will decay by spontaneous fission or alpha emission. Within that decay environment, a few atoms of uranium are transformed into atoms of plutonium. As stated, it's a "technicality" as such, but it's a fact.
Why do you use uranium and plutonium in the reactor?
Uranium and plutonium can be used as nuclear fuels for nuclear reactors.
In a breeder reactor a. Plutonium is converted into uranium or b. Uranium is converted into plutonium?
Uranium. A breeder reactor can use either Uranium, Plutonium, or mixed Transuranic elements for fuel. Depleted Uranium or Thorium is used as the breeding blanket. Periodically the breeding blanket is changed: the old one reprocessed to make new fuel.
Are uranium pellets used in fuel rods that provide the energy for nuclear reactors?
Yes, many reactors use uranium as their nuclear fuel, but some use plutonium or a uranium-plutonium mix.
What isotopes of uranium do we use?
235 is used in reactors and explosives as fuel238 is bred in reactors to make plutonium
Does nuclear bombs have plutonium?
Some do. Others use Uranium.
What does nuclear stations use for and element for fuel?
Uranium (as uranium dioxide, uranium carbide, uranium metal, uranium alloys, etc.), plutonium and thorium.
What is the difference between plutonium weapon and uranium weapons?
The obvious difference is a plutonium weapon uses plutonium as its fuel while a uranium weapon uses uranium as its fuel, however there are also composite weapons that use both as their fuel. Plutonium, being produced in reactors has some degree of plutonium-240 and plutonium-241 as undesired contaminates that can cause a fizzle. So weapons made with plutonium must be assembled much more rapidly than uranium weapons. So uranium weapons can use either gun or implosion rapid assembly systems, but weapons using any amount of plutonium must use implosion rapid assembly systems.
Fuel rods in nuclear reactors are made up of pellets of?
We usually find that uranium is used as fuel in nuclear reactors (though some use plutonium).
Does the government use uranium?
Yes, the government uses uranium. Uranium is mined, refined and then enriched to provide nuclear fuel for nuclear reactors. Depleted uranium, the uranium "left over" from enrichment, is used in munitions to defeat armor, and in some types of armor. On a related note, enriched uranium is in demand by some sovern states and religeous/political factions to make nuclear weapons, though the "modern" nuclear powers use plutonium as the fissionable element in their nuclear devices. The plutonium is made by "soaking" uranium in the neutron flux of an operating nuclear reactor for a time. This changes (transmutes) some of the uranium to plutonium, which is then recovered and processed.
Do we use plutonium in place of uranium for nuclear power?
Yes, it is possible and recommended.
What is pluton made of?
A very small amount of plutonium is found in nature. The majority of it is produced artificially.The majority of plutonium is made in nuclear reactors:uranium-238 captures a neutron, becoming uranium-239uranium-239 undergoes beta decay, becoming neptunium-239 (halflife 23.5 minutes)neptunium-239 undergoes beta decay, becoming plutonium-239 (halflife 2.33 days)plutonium is then chemically separated from the remaining uranium, neptunium, etc.
How much uranium is usually in a nuclear bomb?
Cca. 50 kg of highly enriched uranium. Now nuclear bombs use plutonium, not uranium.
