Asked by Pierce Brelinsky on Jun 19, 2024
Verified
Which conversion takes place in breeder nuclear fission reactors?
A) uranium-238 converts to plutonium-239
B) fast-moving neutrons convert to slow-moving ones
C) high-level wastes convert to harmless isotopes
D) uranium-235 converts to uranium-238
Breeder Nuclear Fission Reactors
A type of nuclear reactor that generates more fissile material than it consumes, creating a sustainable nuclear fuel cycle.
Uranium-238
A naturally occurring isotope of uranium, accounting for 99% of natural uranium, which is weakly radioactive and used as a source of nuclear fuel.
Plutonium-239
A radioactive isotope of plutonium, used as a key component in nuclear weapons and as a fuel in some types of nuclear reactors.
- Detail the procedures and technologies crucial to the nuclear fission process, highlighting the role of breeder reactors.
Verified Answer
CA
Carolyn Ann Van HorsenJun 22, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
In breeder nuclear fission reactors, uranium-238 undergoes neutron capture and converts to plutonium-239, which is a fissile material and can undergo nuclear fission. As a result, more fissile material is produced than consumed, and the reactor can produce more fuel than it consumes, hence the name breeder reactor.
Learning Objectives
- Detail the procedures and technologies crucial to the nuclear fission process, highlighting the role of breeder reactors.