Question

Why is the fuel of a nuclear reactor enriched?

   Why is the fuel of a nuclear reactor enriched?

Chemistry Matter and Change

Chemistry Matter and Change

Thandi Buthelezi,… 1st Edition

Chapter 24, Problem 64

Instant Answer

Solved by Expert Matthew Confer

07/18/2019

Step 1

However, $\mathrm{U}-238$ is not easily split and hence is not a good fuel for nuclear reactors. Show more…

Show all steps

lock

Thanks for your feedback!

Why is the fuel of a nuclear reactor enriched?

Play audio

Feedback

Powered by NumerAI

Matthew Confer and 89 other subject Chemistry 102 educators are ready to help you.

Ask a new question

Labs

Want to see this concept in action?

NEW

Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.

View Labs

Key Concepts

Fissile Material

A fissile material is one that is capable of sustaining a nuclear chain reaction by undergoing fission when struck by neutrons. In the context of nuclear reactors, isotopes such as uranium-235 are the key fissile components that, when present in sufficient concentrations, allow for the controlled release of energy through fission reactions.

Fuel Enrichment

Fuel enrichment is the process of increasing the proportion of fissile isotopes within the nuclear fuel. This process is essential because natural uranium has a relatively low concentration of fissile material, and enriching the fuel makes it more reactive, thereby enabling a more efficient and controlled chain reaction in the reactor.

Chain Reaction and Criticality

A sustained chain reaction occurs when each fission event releases neutrons that promptly induce further fissions in neighboring fissile atoms, leading to a self-sustaining process. By enriching the fuel, the probability of neutron capture by fissile nuclei increases, helping the reactor achieve and maintain a critical state necessary for steady energy generation.

Recommended Videos

Transcript

Ace is your personal tutor. It breaks down any question with clear steps so you can learn.

Start Using Ace

Continue solving this problem

Create a free account to:

View full step-by-step solution
Ask follow-up questions with Ace AI
Save progress and study later