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In a conventional fission reactor, the fission process produces large amounts of neutrons, which bounce about inside the reactor. When they strike atoms they can do any of a number of things, including bouncing off, causing the atom to decay, causing the atom to undergo fission, and being captured by the atom and incorporated in its nucleus. The neutron capture is what causes the plutonium to be present.
When a 238U atom captures a neutron, it becomes 239U, which has a half life of 23.45 minutes and decays by negative beta decay to form 239Np. This has a half life of 2.36 days and decays by negative beta decay to form 239Pu, which has a half life of a little over 24100 years. The result is that there is an appreciable amount of plutonium in the spent fuel.
What else can I help you with?
What is plutonium role in nuclear power?
Plutonium (as dioxide, carbide, mixed oxides or carbides) is an important nuclear fuel for nuclear power reactors.
What is a nuclear power station?
The fissioning of uranium and plutonium nuclei releases energy as heat, which is then used to produce steam to drive conventional turbine/generators.
Can plutonium be used in nuclear power plants?
Yes, plutonium is a very important nuclear fuel.
What is the source of nuclear power station?
They supply the electricity companies who supply your house or business
Does nuclear power have uranium in it?
Either Uranium or Plutonium.
Why is plutonium in a nuclear power sation?
Plutonium is used in nuclear power stations as a fuel in some types of reactors, like fast breeder reactors. It can undergo fission to produce energy. Additionally, plutonium can be created as a byproduct in nuclear reactors, which can then be reprocessed and reused as fuel.
When was Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station created?
Hartlepool Nuclear Power Station was created in 1983.
What is the name of nuclear reaction that is in a power station?
Nuclear fission. The combining of Plutonium and Uranium atoms releases energy, which is used to heat water. The steam produced turns turbines which generate electricity.
What is plutonium cycle?
The plutonium cycle is a process in nuclear reactors where plutonium-239 is created from uranium-238. This plutonium is then used as fuel in nuclear reactors to produce energy. The plutonium cycle helps to maximize the energy output and efficiency of nuclear power plants.
Why plutonium is important?
Plutonium is important because it is a key element in nuclear weapons and nuclear power generation. It is highly reactive and can sustain nuclear chain reactions, making it valuable for use as fuel in nuclear reactors. Additionally, plutonium can be used for scientific research and medical applications.
What where do you get plutonium?
Plutonium applications: - fuel for nuclear reactors - explosive for nuclear weapons - neutron source - isotopic power source - isotopic heat source - in the past, power source for pacemakers
When was Sanmen Nuclear Power Station created?
Sanmen Nuclear Power Station was created in 2013.
