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Plutonium I think.

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What is the naturally occurring actinide that is used in nuclear reactors?

We look to the naturally occurring element uranium as a nuclear fuel.


The element most commonly used as a fuel in nuclear fission reaction is?

The element most commonly used as a fuel in nuclear fission reactions is uranium-235. It is a naturally occurring isotope of uranium that can sustain a chain reaction under controlled conditions in nuclear reactors.


Is the fission of uranium 235 an example of natural or artificial radioactivity?

The fission of uranium-235 is an example of natural radioactivity, as uranium-235 is a naturally occurring radioactive isotope. Artificial radioactivity, on the other hand, refers to the radioactivity induced in a normally stable element through processes like nuclear reactions or particle bombardment.


Does fission occur in the body?

No, fission does not naturally occur in the human body. Fission is a nuclear reaction that involves the splitting of atomic nuclei, which is not a process that happens in biological organisms.


Why do they use uranium in power stations?

Because uranium-235 can easily be made to fission in a reactor with a moderator to slow the neutrons down, a chain reaction can be sustained, and heat is generated which can be harnessed for electricity. Uranium is usually used because it is the largest naturally occurring atom. A smaller atom would not split as easily, and a larger atom would first need to be created before it could be split.Also Uranium-235 is the only isotope capable of undergoing fission and supporting a chain reaction of any element on earth that occurs naturally at high enough levels (0.72% of natural Uranium) to make it economically extractable. Other fissionable materials have to be produced in sufficient quantities in "breeder reactors" where the radiation converts certain non-fissionable elements into other fissionable elements through neutron capture. Because uranium is much more common that was believed early in the development of nuclear reactors, it is much more economical to refine naturally occurring uranium (separating the U-235 from U238) than to use breeder reactors to convert non-fissionable isotopes into fissionable ones and then refine the result to produce more nuclear fuel.A very slightly different world (e.g. older) and nuclear energy and weapons might never have been possible at all.

Related Questions

What is the naturally occurring actinide that is used in nuclear reactors?

We look to the naturally occurring element uranium as a nuclear fuel.


The element most commonly used as a fuel in nuclear fission reaction is?

The element most commonly used as a fuel in nuclear fission reactions is uranium-235. It is a naturally occurring isotope of uranium that can sustain a chain reaction under controlled conditions in nuclear reactors.


What element is used in nuclear fission and is radioactive but is not uranium?

We can use plutonium in nuclear fission devices.


Where is fission occurring today?

In every nuclear reactor that is operating


Which substances is a fuel used in nuclear power plants?

Uranium


Is the fission of uranium 235 an example of natural or artificial radioactivity?

The fission of uranium-235 is an example of natural radioactivity, as uranium-235 is a naturally occurring radioactive isotope. Artificial radioactivity, on the other hand, refers to the radioactivity induced in a normally stable element through processes like nuclear reactions or particle bombardment.


Where do nuclear fission and nuclear fission reactions occur naturally?

Fusion ocurs in the stars including our sun. I don't know of fission occurring naturally anywhere, but there is evidence it once did in a few places on earth a long time ago. At that time there would have been more U-235 which has now reduced by decay. It may occur elsewhere in the universe in planets like earth, but we have no way of knowing this. Natural nuclear fission: Oklo - please see the related link, below


What naturally occurring radioistope is used as the fuel for a nuclear reactor?

Uranium is usually the element of choice for nuclear fuel. We also like to recover the uranium-235 isotope for fuel if we can. Some reactors use mostly U-235 for fuel, and some use a bit of U-235 in with U-238 for fuel.


What element is used in nuclear fission and is radioactive?

Uranium


Is it possible to manufacture helium?

No, it is not possible to manufacture helium. Helium is a naturally occurring element that is produced through the process of nuclear fusion in stars.


What is the hydrogen to helium reaction that is occurring inside the sun called?

nuclear fission


Does fission occur in the body?

No, fission does not naturally occur in the human body. Fission is a nuclear reaction that involves the splitting of atomic nuclei, which is not a process that happens in biological organisms.