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Solved: A breeder nuclear reactor is a reactor in which U-238 (which does not undergo

Chapter 17, Problem 89P

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QUESTION:

Problem 89P

A breeder nuclear reactor is a reactor in which U-238 (which does not undergo fission) is converted into Pu-239 (which does undergo fission). The process involves bombardment of U-238 by neutrons to form U-239, which undergoes two sequential beta decays. Write nuclear equations to represent this process.

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QUESTION:

Problem 89P

A breeder nuclear reactor is a reactor in which U-238 (which does not undergo fission) is converted into Pu-239 (which does undergo fission). The process involves bombardment of U-238 by neutrons to form U-239, which undergoes two sequential beta decays. Write nuclear equations to represent this process.

ANSWER:

Answer :

Step 1

Uranium-238 (238U or U-238) is the most common isotope of uranium found in nature, making up over 99% of it.

Unlike uranium-235 it is non-fissile, which means it cannot sustain a chain reaction. However, it is fissionable by fast neutrons, and is fertile, meaning it can be transmuted to fissile  plutonium-239.

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