Question: Many fear that nuclear power reactor technology will increase the likelihood of nuclear war because reactors can be used not only to produce electrical energy

Many fear that nuclear power reactor technology will increase the likelihood of nuclear war because reactors can be used not only to produce electrical energy but also, as a by-product through neutron capture with inexpensive 238U, to make 239Pu, which is a "fuel" for nuclear bombs. What simple series of reactions involving neutron capture and beta decay would yield this plutonium isotope?

Step by Step Solution

3.43 Rating (156 Votes )

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock

Since plutonium has Z 94 and uranium has Z 92 we see that to ... View full answer

blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Document Format (1 attachment)

Word file Icon

885-P-E-G-L (549).docx

120 KBs Word File

Students Have Also Explored These Related Electricity and Magnetism Questions!