We appreciate your visit to Why is U 235 used more in nuclear reactors than U 238 A U 235 is more abundant B U 235 is cheaper to mine. This page offers clear insights and highlights the essential aspects of the topic. Our goal is to provide a helpful and engaging learning experience. Explore the content and find the answers you need!
Answer :
Final answer:
U-235 is used in nuclear reactors more than U-238 because it is fissile and can sustain a nuclear chain reaction effectively. U-235 releases more energy per fission event compared to U-238 and is essential in both energy generation and military contexts. While U-238 is abundant, it does not easily undergo fission with thermal neutrons.
Explanation:
Why U-235 is Preferred in Nuclear Reactors
Uranium-235 (U-235) is used more in nuclear reactors than Uranium-238 (U-238)) due to its unique nuclear properties. While U-238 makes up about 99.27% of natural uranium, U-235 is only 0.72% and is the only isotope in natural uranium that can sustain a reaction with thermal neutrons effectively.
One major reason U-235 is favored is that it is a fissile material, meaning it can readily undergo fission when it captures a neutron. The fission of U-235 releases a significant amount of energy and more neutrons, which can then induce further fission reactions, leading to a stable chain reaction. In contrast, U-238, while more abundant, does not easily undergo fission with thermal neutrons and instead often requires fast neutrons or can be converted to plutonium-239 (Pu-239) in breeder reactors.
Moreover, the energy release from U-235 is about 2 MeV greater per fission event compared to U-238. This makes workflows more efficient in reactors. Because of its properties, U-235 not only fuels most commercial nuclear reactors but is also the material from which nuclear weapons are derived, emphasizing its importance in both energy generation and military applications.
Learn more about Uranium Isotopes in Nuclear Energy here:
https://brainly.com/question/6749867
Thanks for taking the time to read Why is U 235 used more in nuclear reactors than U 238 A U 235 is more abundant B U 235 is cheaper to mine. We hope the insights shared have been valuable and enhanced your understanding of the topic. Don�t hesitate to browse our website for more informative and engaging content!
- Why do Businesses Exist Why does Starbucks Exist What Service does Starbucks Provide Really what is their product.
- The pattern of numbers below is an arithmetic sequence tex 14 24 34 44 54 ldots tex Which statement describes the recursive function used to..
- Morgan felt the need to streamline Edison Electric What changes did Morgan make.
Rewritten by : Barada
