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Because the uranium-235 gets used up and the plutonium formed from U-238 eventually gets used up as well, so the reactor would just die unless new fuel is loaded

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How tall are the nuclear fuel rods in japan?

The nuclear fuel rods in the BWR design in Japan are about 12 feet long.


What rods housed within a nuclear reactor?

fuel rods and control rods


Does fuel rods slow down nuclear reactions?

No, but control rods do.


What is the next step in a nuclear reactor after nuclear fission occurs in fuel rods?

After nuclear fission occurs in fuel rods in a nuclear reactor, the next step is to control the reaction by regulating the rate of fission through control rods. These control rods absorb neutrons to maintain a steady and safe level of nuclear chain reactions in the reactor core.


What is the primary function of fuel rods in a nuclear reactor?

The primary function of fuel rods in a nuclear reactor is to contain and control the nuclear fuel, such as uranium, that undergoes fission reactions to produce heat for generating electricity.


What rods hold pellets of uranium?

Fuel rods are used to hold pellets of uranium in nuclear reactors. These rods are typically made of a material like zirconium to encase the uranium pellets and control the nuclear fission reactions within the reactor.


How long due fuel rods produce heat?

Fuel rods produce heat for a few years while inside a nuclear reactor. After that, they need to be replaced with fresh fuel rods to continue generating heat efficiently.


Is silver used in the operation of nuclear power plants?

No, Enriched Uranium-235 is used in a nuclear reactor as the fuel in the fuel rods and boron is used in the control rods.


Why are nuclear fuel rods dangerous?

Nuclear fuel rods are dangerous because they contain radioactive materials that can emit harmful radiation when not properly shielded. If the rods are damaged or not handled correctly, there is a risk of a nuclear meltdown or release of radioactive material into the environment, which can cause severe health and environmental consequences. Proper storage and disposal of nuclear fuel rods are necessary to mitigate these risks.


Are the control rods part of the fuel assemblies in nuclear reactors?

No, control rods are not a part of the fuel assemblies in nuclear reactors. They are separate "pieces" in the core, and essentially fit in "spaces" between fuel bundles.


What part of the nuclear reactor is the fuel located in?

The nuclear fuel is found in the fuel rods. These fuel rods are formed into fuel bundles called fuel assemblies, and together they make up the reactor core.


When do fuel rods start to heat up?

Fuel rods in a nuclear reactor start to heat up as soon as the nuclear fission process begins. This process generates heat through the splitting of atoms within the fuel rods, leading to an increase in temperature.