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A breeder reactor generates (in a way) new fuel, sometimes more fuel than it uses, by converting non-fissionable isotopes into fissionable isotopes, through neutron capture.

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What are the advantages and disadvantages of the breeder reactors and regular nuclear reactors?

You are asking for a lot in one question! For thermal reactors there are replies available. Ask 'What are the advantages of nuclear fission power' and see the reply, there is also in the links section another reply to 'What are the disadvantages of nuclear fission power', so there is no need to repeat these. Reactors specially designed for breeding are aimed at either producing plutonium from uranium 238, or uranium 233 from thorium. Various theoretical designs are possible, the difficulties are in the practical engineering, and of course the fuel separation which would be required to obtain the bred fuel. The most used design so far is the liquid metal (sodium or sodium/potassium mixture) fast reactor, which can breed plutonium from fast neutron capture in uranium 238. A fast reactor, that is one where the neutrons from fission are not slowed down by a moderator, is going to breed more Pu than a thermal one (with a moderator). Therefore water reactors are not suitable, as water moderates neutrons. If you know about chemistry, you will know how reactive sodium is, and if it is hot it is even more so, so it is potentially dangerous although the liquid metal does not have to be pressurised. But it has to circulate through heat exchangers to give its energy up to a steam/water circuit for power generation, so any leak there will result in water ingress to the reactor. I think that at present there is no great incentive to press ahead with breeders, as PWR and BWR designs have been developed to be reliable workhorses and there is no shortage of uranium for enrichment. This could change in the future and breeders could come back, but mostly the impetus has gone, prototypes have been shutdown and building programs have been abandoned, though theoretical studies continue in some countries. India seems to be interested in the thorium cycle, but again I wonder if this will become reality, especially now with the US-India deal for co-operation, which will I expect deliver US water reactor technology to India. To learn more see Wikipedia 'Fast Breeder Reactors', and also Dounreay PFR


What is the most important characteristic of a nuclear reaction?

Nuclear reactions involve the reaction of nuclei and does not involve transfer of electron as in regular chemical reactions.


What is the difference between nuclear dynamite and regular dynamite?

Nuclear dynamite contain atoms with high energy so it can blow a large area whereas normal dynamite is just the opp..


What damage does a nuclear bomb to a regular bomb?

first off, of course, a nuclear bomb is thousands of times stronger than a normal bomb. a nuclear bomb also carries radiation, energy that causes poisoning and cancer, while most normal bombs cant do that.


What are the names of the particles involve in a nuclear reaction?

If we are just considering the "basic" nuclear reaction in a "regular" nuclear reactor, the particles of interest are the uranium-235 atoms (which are fissionable), and the neutrons, which get loose and cause fissions when they are absorbed by the U-235 atoms. We could broaden this to include some other reactions, but this is a fabulous place to begin to investigate nuclear physics.

Related Questions

How are they different from regular nuclear reactors?

Please elaborate on "they" as no comparison can be given otherwise. Do you mean?: "How is nuclear fusion different from regular nuclear reactors (nuclear fission?)"


How are they different from the regular nuclear reactors?

How are "what" different from regular nuclear reactors? The question has insufficient information in it to be properly answered. Please restate the question.


What is the most common coolant used in nuclear reactors?

The most common coolant used in nuclear reactors is water, in either liquid or steam form. Water provides effective heat transfer properties and is readily available and cost-effective. Other coolants, such as liquid sodium or gas, are used in specialized reactors but water-cooled reactors are the most prevalent.


How does one use a breeder reactor?

It would be used as a more efficient version of a Nuclear Reactor. While a regular nuclear reactor requires almost a factor of 100 greater in fuel amounts, a Breeder reactor uses much less and produces less waste.


Which coolant is used in kalpakkam nuclear power plant?

The Kalpakkam nuclear power plant uses heavy water (deuterium oxide) as a coolant and moderator in its Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). Heavy water has a higher density than regular water, allowing it to efficiently slow down neutrons and regulate the nuclear reaction in the reactor core.


Why do we use heavy water in nuclear reactors?

Heavy water, which contains deuterium instead of regular hydrogen, is used as a moderator in nuclear reactors because it slows down neutrons more efficiently than regular water. This helps maintain a sustained nuclear reaction by increasing the likelihood of neutron interactions with fuel nuclei. Additionally, heavy water is less prone to absorbing neutrons, which can help sustain the nuclear chain reaction.


What is a nuclear fuel cell?

A nuclear fuel cell is often confused with a regular fuel cell, but they are different concepts. Here's the clarification: 🔬 Nuclear Fuel Cell (in nuclear power) In the context of nuclear energy, a nuclear fuel cell refers to a small unit or pellet that contains nuclear fuel, usually uranium-235 or plutonium-239. These cells are grouped together in rods and used in nuclear reactors to produce heat through nuclear fission — the splitting of atoms. This heat then generates steam to produce electricity.


What impact do nuclear power plants have on water resources?

Regular Water is used to cool the reactors, and for steam production. The cooling water evaporates into the air...so it has to be replaced. Therefore the Plant has to have a source of fresh water for replacement.


Where does nuclear energy come from?

it comes from nuclear fissionNuclear energy is the fission of certain, materials such as uranium or plutonium,within a nuclear reactor. This produces heat, which turns water into steam. This steam rises, driving a turbine which creates electricity for commercial and public use.


Why is sea water used to cool nuclear reactors?

Sea water is used to cool nuclear reactors in emergency situations when fresh water is not available. We usually find very pure water used in nuclear reactors as a primary coolant. This water stays quite pure and retains little radiation after shutdown and cooldown. But if an emergency situation arises and the "regular" primary coolant (the fresh water) is lost, it must be replaced with any water to cool the reactor. Sea water is better than nothing.


Why is only heavy water used as coolant for nuclear energy and can you use any other coolant used replacing D2O?

Many pressurized water reactors use "regular" water (light water) as a primay coolant. That means that "only heavy water" is not a rule as regards reactor design. Reactor design specifies the coolant to be used.


What is an unusual compound of water?

One unusual compound of water is heavy water, which contains deuterium instead of regular hydrogen atoms. Heavy water is slightly denser than regular water and is often used in nuclear reactors and scientific research.