Uranium, like all the other elements, in several different forms, known as isotopes. most common isotope of uranium is , which makes up 99.28% of all uranium atoms. The second-most common isotope, is the one used to generate electricity, because it can easily undergo fission.
nuclear fission is a very efficient source of energy, nuclear reactors require very little fuel. A single 20-gram uranium fuel pellet can produce the same amount of energy as 400 kilograms of coal, 410 litres of oil, or 350 cubic metres of natural gas.
nuclear reaction is at most basic nothing more than a reaction process that occurs in an atomic nucleus. typically take place when a nucleus of an atom gets hit by either a subatomic particle (usually a "free neutron," …show more content…
its Breeder Reactor was developed to use uranium. this is how it works. the reactor is built with a core of fissionable plutonium,The plutonium core is gathered by a layer of uranium. As the plutonium undergoes spontaneous fission, it releases neutrons. These neutrons convert uranium to plutonium. In other words, this reactor breeds fuel as it operates. After all the uranium has been changed to plutonium the reactor is refueled.
However, there are some major problems with the breeder reactor. To start with, plutonium it is extremely toxic. If a individual inhales a small amount, it will contract lung cancer. not only that but, the half-life of the material is extremely long,it is about 24,000 years. it could create an almost impossible disposal problem if large amounts of this material are generated.
not only that , because of the nature of the reactor core, water can not be used for a coolant. , liquid sodium must be used. In this event an accident a catastrophe can develop because of the sodium reacts violently with water and air. they have alot more power than a normal reactor has. the breeder reactor is way more faster than the regular reactor would be. thats all i could find on reactors and breeder
nuclear fission is a very efficient source of energy, nuclear reactors require very little fuel. A single 20-gram uranium fuel pellet can produce the same amount of energy as 400 kilograms of coal, 410 litres of oil, or 350 cubic metres of natural gas.
nuclear reaction is at most basic nothing more than a reaction process that occurs in an atomic nucleus. typically take place when a nucleus of an atom gets hit by either a subatomic particle (usually a "free neutron," …show more content…
its Breeder Reactor was developed to use uranium. this is how it works. the reactor is built with a core of fissionable plutonium,The plutonium core is gathered by a layer of uranium. As the plutonium undergoes spontaneous fission, it releases neutrons. These neutrons convert uranium to plutonium. In other words, this reactor breeds fuel as it operates. After all the uranium has been changed to plutonium the reactor is refueled.
However, there are some major problems with the breeder reactor. To start with, plutonium it is extremely toxic. If a individual inhales a small amount, it will contract lung cancer. not only that but, the half-life of the material is extremely long,it is about 24,000 years. it could create an almost impossible disposal problem if large amounts of this material are generated.
not only that , because of the nature of the reactor core, water can not be used for a coolant. , liquid sodium must be used. In this event an accident a catastrophe can develop because of the sodium reacts violently with water and air. they have alot more power than a normal reactor has. the breeder reactor is way more faster than the regular reactor would be. thats all i could find on reactors and breeder