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Uranium-235 is a fissile isotope: can react with thermal neutrons (fission) to sustain a chain reaction.
Thorium-232 is a fertile material: can absorb neutrons without fission and is transformed in the fissile isotope U-233.

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Is thorium better than uranium?

Yes, we can get more electricity from thorium, if you are asking about the supply. When 232Th is used in a nuclear reactor, it is bred to become 233U. This isotope of uranium has about as much energy available as 235U, so the amount of energy per fission event is about the same for thorium as it is for uranium. Aside from that, however, there are important differences. Thorium does not need to be enriched, so all of it can be used. The amount of thorium we have is a multiple of the amount of uranium. The combination means that, where we only have a few decades supply of uranium, we have enough thorium to last thousands of years.


When thorium 232 emits a beta particle the prduct is?

The nuclear reaction is: 232Th--------------- 228Ra + α


What element makes possible future nuclear fuel?

One of the key elements considered for future nuclear fuel is thorium. Unlike uranium, thorium is more abundant and produces less long-lived radioactive waste when used in nuclear reactors. Additionally, thorium can be converted into uranium-233, which is fissile and can sustain a nuclear reaction. This makes thorium a promising candidate for safer and more sustainable nuclear energy solutions in the future.


What is thorium smell like?

Thorium itself is odorless in its natural state. However, thorium compounds may have a slight metallic or musty odor. It is always important to handle thorium with proper precautions due to its radioactive properties.


What is uranium 238 thorium 234 plus helium 4?

Uranium 238 goes through a decay series until it becomes lead. An intermediate product of this decay series is Thorium 234. Uranium 238 decays into an atom of Thorium 234 and an atom of Helium 4. The Helium 4, being a gas, frequently escapes into the atmosphere. Since the decay of Uranium 238 into Thorium 234 and Helium 4 gives off heat and mass, nature does not normally reverse the process.

Related Questions

Is thorium emits a beta particle a chemical reaction?

No, thorium emitting a beta particle is a nuclear reaction, not a chemical reaction. In a beta decay process, a neutron in the thorium nucleus converts into a proton, emitting a beta particle (an electron) and an antineutrino. This type of decay is a form of radioactive decay, which is a nuclear process involving changes in the nucleus of an atom.


Can naturally occurring thorium be used as a fuel in N Reactors?

Thorium itself is not a fuel, it does not emit energy. However if it is irradiated in a reactor it forms uranium233 which is a fissile isotope of uranium. Therefore potentially thorium can be used to breed fissile fuel. There are issues around reprocessing however which have not been tackled because the incentive is not there whilst uranium235 is available. Thorium might become important in the future, or for a country which has thorium but not uranium. See link below


Is thorium better than uranium?

Yes, we can get more electricity from thorium, if you are asking about the supply. When 232Th is used in a nuclear reactor, it is bred to become 233U. This isotope of uranium has about as much energy available as 235U, so the amount of energy per fission event is about the same for thorium as it is for uranium. Aside from that, however, there are important differences. Thorium does not need to be enriched, so all of it can be used. The amount of thorium we have is a multiple of the amount of uranium. The combination means that, where we only have a few decades supply of uranium, we have enough thorium to last thousands of years.


Can potassium substitute thorium chemical reaction?

No, potassium cannot substitute thorium in a chemical reaction because they are different elements with unique chemical properties. The substitution of one element for another in a chemical reaction is determined by the reactivity and compatibility of the elements involved.


What do you get when you combine thorium and barium?

When thorium and barium are combined, they do not react to form a specific compound. Thorium and barium are both elements and would simply mix together physically without undergoing a chemical reaction.


How does thorium change into uranium?

The nuclear reaction is:Th-232(n,gamma)U-233


What does nitric acid added to thorium hydroxide make?

The product of this reaction is Th(NO3)2.


How does uranium turn into thorium in equation form?

The reaction is:U-238(alpha)Th-234


What is the common compound of thorium?

Common compounds of thorium: thorium dioxide, thorium trifluoride, thorium tetrafluoride, thorium tetrachloride, thorium triiodide, thorium diiodide, thorium tetraiodide, thorium nitrate, thorium oxalate, thorium carbide, thorium sulfides, thorium nitride, thorium oxinate, etc.


What is beta decay of thorium 234?

In beta decay of thorium-234, a neutron in the nucleus of thorium-234 is transformed into a proton, releasing an electron (beta particle) and an antineutrino. This process converts the thorium-234 nucleus into protactinium-234.


When thorium 232 emits a beta particle the prduct is?

The nuclear reaction is: 232Th--------------- 228Ra + α


What has the author Philip A Horrigan written?

Philip A. Horrigan has written: 'The reaction of thorium tetrachloride with hydrogen gas'