The most abundant isotope of uranium, ^238 U, does not undergo fission. In a bre

Question

The most abundant isotope of uranium, ^238 U, does not undergo fission. In a breeder reactor, however, a ^238 U atom captures a neutron and emits two beta particles to make a fissionable isotope of plutonium, which can then be used as fuel in a nuclear reactor. Write the balanced nuclear equation. Express your answer as a nuclear equation.

Explanation / Answer

^235 U can be used as fuel in nuclear reactor. as it contains 3.5% of^235 U, whereas natural occuring uranium contains only 0.7%. when ^235U is bombarded by neutron, then due to fission reaction ^235U +^0n => ^141Ba +^92Kr + 3* (^0n) where kr=krypton Ba=barium Plutonium can also be used and it is artificially formed by bombarding^238U with an neutron ^238U +^1n => ^239U ^239U => ^0(beeta) +^239Np ^239Np => ^0(beeta) + ^239Pu

Related Questions

Navigate

• Browse (All)
• Browse T
• Subjects

---

---

Integrity-first tutoring: explanations and feedback only — we do not complete graded work. Learn more.