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The advantages of breeder reactors is that the neutrons from the uranium + plutonium expended in the reaction are used to generate more fissile material (plutonium and in some designs other fissionable transuranic elements). In other words you are getting two thing out of one. This allows nearly complete use of the uranium that was mined instead of just the 0.7% of it that is uranium-235 that other reactors are limited to using, reducing the waste of depleted uranium.

The disadvantages of breeder reactors are:

  • It has to be cooled with liquid metals (e.g. sodium, potassium, NaK alloy)
  • It is even more complicated and more expensive than normal reactors
  • It has some potential for the misuse of the plutonium by terrorists, so will require more security
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What are the three main advantages of a fusion reactor compared to a fission reactor?

Fusion reactors produce less radioactive waste compared to fission reactors. Fusion reactors use abundant sources such as deuterium and lithium for fuel, while fission reactors use limited sources like uranium. Fusion reactions release more energy per unit mass of fuel compared to fission reactions.


What is the average output MW of a fusion reactor?

Currently, fusion reactors are still in the experimental stage and do not produce electricity for the grid. The output power of experimental fusion reactors ranges from a few megawatts to tens of megawatts, depending on the design and scale of the reactor. Commercial fusion reactors, when developed, are expected to generate hundreds of megawatts to gigawatts of power.


Why have no fusion reactors been built yet?

Fusion reactors have not been built yet because it is challenging to create and sustain the extreme conditions required for nuclear fusion to occur, such as high temperatures and pressures. Scientists are still working on developing the technology to make fusion reactors a viable and practical energy source.


Why is the development of nuclear fusion reactors desirable?

The development of nuclear fusion reactors is desirable because they offer a potentially limitless and clean energy source with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Fusion reactors use isotopes of hydrogen as fuel and produce no long-lived radioactive waste, offering a safer alternative to current nuclear fission reactors. Additionally, fusion fuel sources are abundant and widely available, making fusion a promising solution for meeting global energy demands sustainably.


Why have no fusion reactors been developed and built yet?

Fusion reactors have not been developed and built yet because it is a complex and challenging process to control and sustain nuclear fusion reactions at a scale that is practical for energy production. Scientists are still working on overcoming technical and engineering obstacles to make fusion power a viable and reliable source of energy.

Related Questions

Do fusion powers nuclear reactors?

No. Our reactors are fission reactors. We haven't yet mastered fusion reactors for power.


Are all-stars fusion reactors?

Yes, stars are fusion reactors.


What are the three main advantages of a fusion reactor compared to a fission reactor?

Fusion reactors produce less radioactive waste compared to fission reactors. Fusion reactors use abundant sources such as deuterium and lithium for fuel, while fission reactors use limited sources like uranium. Fusion reactions release more energy per unit mass of fuel compared to fission reactions.


Are nuclear fusion dangerus?

Well, fusion bombs are, but fusion reactors should not be (if we can build them).


What is the average output MW of a fusion reactor?

Currently, fusion reactors are still in the experimental stage and do not produce electricity for the grid. The output power of experimental fusion reactors ranges from a few megawatts to tens of megawatts, depending on the design and scale of the reactor. Commercial fusion reactors, when developed, are expected to generate hundreds of megawatts to gigawatts of power.


Why have no fusion reactors been built yet?

Fusion reactors have not been built yet because it is challenging to create and sustain the extreme conditions required for nuclear fusion to occur, such as high temperatures and pressures. Scientists are still working on developing the technology to make fusion reactors a viable and practical energy source.


What are the two type of reactors?

There are fission and fusion reactors. However, at present (2016) there is no commercial fusion reactor which can produce more energy than is required to operate it.


What do scientists use in fusion reactors?

There are fuel pellets and laser beams inside fusion reactors. But note that we have not build a successful one. The technical problems are overwhelming at this point.


Why is the development of nuclear fusion reactors desirable?

The development of nuclear fusion reactors is desirable because they offer a potentially limitless and clean energy source with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Fusion reactors use isotopes of hydrogen as fuel and produce no long-lived radioactive waste, offering a safer alternative to current nuclear fission reactors. Additionally, fusion fuel sources are abundant and widely available, making fusion a promising solution for meeting global energy demands sustainably.


What are the functions of the deuterium and tritium atoms in nuclear reactors?

All current nuclear reactors are fission reactors, tritium has no function in a fission reactor, in standard water moderated reactors deuterium also has no function, in heavy water moderated reactors deuterium is the moderator. If we are ever able to make a fusion reactor, deuterium/tritium mix will be used as fuel.


How do you get Portable Fusion Reactors in Mafia Wars?

randomly in the jobs and fights


What has the author Terry Kammash written?

Terry Kammash has written: 'Fusion reactor physics' -- subject(s): Fusion reactors