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Fissile elements are those in which the nucleus will fission or split, thus releasing energy. The two which are involved in nuclear reactors are uranium 235 and plutonium 239. Uranium is the only naturally occurring one, plutonium is created when uranium 238 is irradiated in a reactor, and when chemically separated and purified it can be used together with uranium for further supplies of nuclear fuel.
When a uranium 235 nucleus captures a neutron, it splits into two other nuclei, of lower atomic number (the fission products) and also releases another 2 or 3 neutrons, plus a lot of energy. By adjusting the balance between allowing neutrons to find U235 nuclei, and absorbing them in other material in the reactor, the reactor can be adjusted to just continue at a steady neutron flux level and hence a steady power level.
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What does 238 represent in uranium?
238 represents the most common isotope of uranium, uranium-238. It is a naturally occurring isotope found in uranium ores and makes up over 99% of natural uranium. It is not fissile, but can be converted into fissile plutonium-239 in nuclear reactors.
What are two elements found in unpolluted air?
Two elements found in unpolluted air are nitrogen, which makes up about 78% of the atmosphere, and oxygen, which makes up about 21%. These two elements are crucial for supporting life on Earth.
What is fissile fuel in a atomic bomb?
Fissile fuel in an atomic bomb refers to materials like uranium-235 or plutonium-239 that are capable of sustaining a chain reaction in which atoms split and release a large amount of energy. These fuels undergo nuclear fission reactions, leading to the explosive power of the bomb.
What element is used in explosive nuclear weapons?
Uranium or plutonium is typically used as the fissile material in explosive nuclear weapons. These elements undergo a nuclear chain reaction, releasing a large amount of energy in a short period of time, creating an explosion.
What makes noble gases stable compared to other elements?
Noble gases are stable because they have a full outer electron shell, which makes them less likely to react with other elements. This full outer shell gives them a balanced and stable configuration, making them less reactive than other elements.
Which property makes elements such as uranium and plutonium useful for nuclear energy?
This characteristics is the possibility to be fissile when bombarded with neutrons and to maintain a chain reaction.
What are in atomic bombs?
Fissile and/or fusible elements, chemical explosives to start the reaction, electronics to handle arming/disarming/firing, etc.
What uranium nucleus is fissile?
The isotopes 233U and 235U are fissile with thermal neutrons and the isotope 238U is fissile with fast neutrons.
What is nuclear breeding?
This means the breeding of fissile material from non-fissile. Thus for example Pu239 results from irradiating U238 which is not fissile. Thorium can also be used to breed fissile uranium.
Why was uranium used for nuclear war?
Its one of only 2 elements that have fissile isotopes, the other is plutonium which must be manufactured from uranium in reactors.
What does it mean when the isotope is fissile?
"Fissile" means "capable of undergoing fission."
Similarties between uranium-235 and plutonium-239 in nuclear reactors?
Uranium 235 and Plutonium 239 are fissile elements, fissionable with thermal neutrons.
What are the same between uranium and plutonium?
Both are chemical elements, solid, metals, radioactive, having fissile isotopes, chemically reactive, toxic etc.
Which uranium isotope is onley 0.7 percent of natural uranium and is the fissile part?
Uranium 235 is 0.7 percent of natural uranium and is fissile
Why were breeder reactors developed?
Breeder reactors were developed to allow use of non-fissile or fertile fuel, such as uranium-238 and thorium-232, instead of fissile fuel, such as uranium-235 and plutonium-239. They do have fissile fuel in them, but they use its neutron flux to convert the non-fissile (fertile) fuel into fissile form, extending the lifespan of the core.
Why are only uranium and plutonium used in nuclear reactors?
Uranium and plutonium are used in nuclear reactors because they undergo nuclear fission, releasing a large amount of energy. This energy is harnessed to generate electricity. These elements are preferred due to their ability to sustain a chain reaction in a controlled manner within the reactor core.
Does a critical mass require enriched uranium?
No, a critical mass does not require enriched uranium. A critical mass is the minimum amount of fissile material needed to sustain a nuclear chain reaction. While enriched uranium is a commonly used fissile material for nuclear reactions, other materials such as plutonium can also achieve criticality.
