Plutonium-239 is artificially synthesized through__________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: B. by neutron irradiation of IT*
Explanation
Plutonium-239 is synthesized inside nuclear reactors by exposing uranium-238 targets to intense neutron radiation. Uranium-238 absorbs a neutron to become uranium-239 which subsequently decays into plutonium through beta emissions. This neutron irradiation process transforms fertile material into valuable fissile fuel for advanced reactors. Plutonium-239 does not exist in meaningful quantities naturally because of its relatively short radioactive half-life. Neutron capture reactions within operating nuclear reactors provide the high neutron fluxes needed for production. Beta decay involves a neutron transforming into a proton while emitting an energetic electron and antineutrino.
Breeder reactors utilize this artificial synthesis method to generate more fissile material than they consume. Plutonium production is a critical aspect of both advanced nuclear fuel cycles and national defense programs. Handling irradiated nuclear targets requires specialized remote facilities due to intense accompanying radioactive hazards. Treating uranium as a basic raw material does not explain the specific nuclear transmutation pathway required. Irradiating thorium produces uranium-233 instead of plutonium-239 through a completely different capture chain. High capacity furnaces can melt metals but cannot induce the nuclear transmutations required to create plutonium.
- Subject
- Engineering
- Category
- Mechanical Engineering
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
Related questions
Q1. Which specific category of neutrons exhibits the highest effectiveness in triggering nuclear fission_________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: B. slow
Slow neutrons possess lower kinetic energy, allowing them to interact easily with fissile heavy nuclei. This low speed increases the interaction cross-section for neutron capture and subsequent fission events. Thermalize...
Q2. In an ideal scenario, the spatial neutron flux distribution across a reactor core ought to be__________________ ?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: C. uniform throughout
An even spatial neutron flux distribution ensures uniform power generation and prevents localized hot spots within the reactor core.
Q3. Identify the incorrect statement regarding fast breeder reactors__________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: E. use water as coolant
Fast breeder reactors require unmoderated neutron spectra and utilize liquid metal coolants instead of water. Water acts as a strong neutron moderator, which slows down neutrons and defeats the fast breeder design. Liqui...
Q4. A fast breeder reactor makes use of_______________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. 90% U-235
Fast breeder reactors typically use mixed oxide fuels or enriched uranium/plutonium rather than 90% U-235, which is characteristic of certain research or naval reactors.
Q5. The production of plutonium material occurs via________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: B. by neutron irradiation of Uz
Plutonium is not found in significant quantities naturally on Earth and must be manufactured. Irradiating uranium-238 with neutrons inside a nuclear reactor produces plutonium through transmutation. The fertile uranium a...
Q6. Reactor reflectors are integrated into nuclear plant designs to________________?
Show answer Hide answer
Answer: A. return the neutrons back into the core
Reactor reflectors are engineering components placed strategically surrounding the nuclear reactor core. Their primary purpose is to scatter escaping neutrons back inward toward the fission fuel zone. Returning these neu...