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Weight for weight, Pu239 produces similar energy to U235. However reactor fuel as normally produced from enriched uranium, does not contain Pu. During operation, Pu239 is produced by irradiation of U238 with neutrons (U238 is of course the major part of the U in the fuel, only about 4 percent is U235). The build up of Pu239 compensates to some extent for the burnup of the U235. However as reactor operation continues, the Pu239 is also burnt up, and higher isotopes of Pu are produced, so eventually the fuel must be replaced. Pu with a high concentration of 239 was produced in quantity for weapons in the cold war period, by irradiating fuel for a deliberately short period.
Some fuel has been produced with a mixture of U and Pu, this is called MOX fuel (mixed oxide). This has been used in Europe but I believe not in the US though proposals have been made. This would have the advantage of using up some of the surplus Pu239 which exists in the world after the cold war excess production.
What else can I help you with?
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.
What is the use of plutonium in a nuclear bomb?
Plutonium is used as the fissile material in the core of a nuclear bomb. When a critical mass of plutonium is rapidly brought together, a chain reaction occurs, releasing a large amount of energy in the form of a nuclear explosion.
Why use plutonium in nuclear reactors?
Plutonium is used in nuclear reactors as a fuel because it can undergo fission, producing energy in the process. It is created as a byproduct in uranium-fueled reactors and can be recycled for use as fuel in mixed-oxide (MOX) fuel. Plutonium helps extend the fuel cycle and reduce waste by utilizing more of the energy content in nuclear fuel.
Pros and cons of plutonium?
Applications of plutonium: • explosive in nuclear weapons • nuclear fuel in nuclear power reactors • the isotope 238Pu is used as energy source in spacecrafts or other applications (radioisotope thermoelectric generators); the chemical form is plutonium dioxide. • neutron generator, as Pu-Be source Disadvantages of plutonium: - plutonium is radioactive - plutonium is toxic - plutonium is flammable - plutonium can reach a critical mass
What is Plutonium 241 and its uses?
Plutonium-241 is an isotope of plutonium with a half-life of about 14 years. It is used primarily in batteries for spacecraft and military applications due to its heat-producing decay process. It is also a source of neutrons for various scientific research purposes.
How many energy level found in an atom of plutonium?
Electrons in the plutonium atom are placed in 7 energy levels.
How many energy levels in plutonium?
Plutonium has 7 electron shells.
What are the differences between Plutonium production reactors and Power generator reactors?
Plutonium production energy are designed to produce weapons grade plutonium, not electric energy or heat.
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.
Is plutonium a ionization energy or a electronegativity?
Plutonium is neither an ionization energy nor an electronegativity. Ionization energy is the energy required to remove an electron from an atom, while electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond. Plutonium is a heavy radioactive element with a variety of chemical properties.
How much TNT is in a Plutonium Bomb?
Nuclear weapons with plutonium don't contain TNT.
What are some Sources of nuclear energy?
Uranium and plutonium
What is the importance of plutonium?
it is used in producing nuclear energy
Energy resource that is based on fission?
uranium and plutonium
What restrictions are there to buy plutonium?
Plutonium trading is extremely restricted and controlled internationally by IAEA (International Agency for Atomic Energy). Generally is impossible to buy illegally plutonium.
What type of energy source does nuclear energy require?
uranium, plutonium,etc etc
What can plutonium make?
Plutonium can be used in fuel rods for generation nuclear energy. Plutonium can also be used to create an atomic bomb. Simply bring enough plutonium together in a single contained pile, and the critical mass creates a chain reaction liberating nuclear energy through a fission reaction resulting in a tremendous explosion.
