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Yes, but it would not be used in a pure form, because it would be too concentrated for a power reactor. In the UK and France plutonium has been used in what is called MOX (Mixed Oxide) Fuel, where plutonium and uranium oxides are mixed to make fuel with roughly the same fissile content as enriched uranium fuel. I don't believe this technique has been used yet in the US,where spent fuel processing is not in operation so the plutonium is not being separated to make it available. However there may be plutonium available from ex-military stocks, and this could be used if required to supplement the amount of U-235 available.
What else can I help you with?
Will thorium powered reactors be built?
Yes, thorium was used as a fertile material in nuclear reactors.
Where is fission used by humans?
In nuclear reactors, there are over 400 operating power reactors world wide
Describe the difference between weapons grade and reactor grade nuclear fuel?
Uranium in nature is only about 0.7% 235U. In order to have a chain reaction, the percentage of 235U must be increased by enrichment. The percentages of 235U in nuclear reactors are generally low, about 3% to 5%. For bombs, the percentage is generally 85% or more.
How many nuclear reactors are in Michigan?
There are three nuclear power plants in Michigan. Enrico Fermi, Donald C. Cook and Palisades have one, two and one operating reactors, respectively. As regards active nuclear reactors used for generating electric power, that's the list. The count is one plus two plus one, or four reactors.
What types of nuclear reactors are used in the UK?
Mostly at present they are AGR's that is Advanced Gascooled Reactors, using carbon dioxide coolant, graphite moderator, and slightly enriched fuel clad in stainless steel sheaths. There is one PWR running and all new ones built will be PWR.
Is used for fuel nuclear reactors?
Uranium and/or Plutonium fuel
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.
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 used in power plants?
Yes, plutonium is used as a fuel in certain types of nuclear reactors, such as breeder reactors. These reactors are designed to produce more plutonium than they consume, as a way to generate energy and also produce more fuel for future use.
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.
Does plutonium use for fuel nuclear?
Yes, plutonium is used as a fuel in nuclear reactors, specifically in certain types of reactors like fast breeder reactors and some types of advanced reactors. Plutonium-239, which is produced from uranium-238 in nuclear reactors, is a key fuel component due to its ability to sustain fission reactions.
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.
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).
What two metals are used as nuclear fules?
Two common metals used as nuclear fuels are uranium and plutonium. Uranium is the most widely used fuel in nuclear reactors, while plutonium is used as a fuel in some types of reactors, such as fast breeder reactors.
How is plutonium used in nuclear reactors?
Plutonium is used in nuclear reactors as a nuclear fuel (as dioxide, carbide or MOX). The isotopes 239Pu and 241Pu are fissionable with thermal neutrons; other isotopes are fissionable only with fast neutrons.
What element and plutonium are used in nuclear reactors?
Uranium is the main fuel used, but in some countries a mixture of uranium and plutonium is also used (MOX fuel)
Plutonium can no longer be used as a source of what energy?
Plutonium can no longer be used as a source of energy in nuclear reactors due to its high rate of radioactive decay, which makes it less effective as a fuel. Additionally, the use of plutonium raises safety concerns and proliferation risks, leading to a shift towards alternative nuclear fuel sources.
