The fuel used in nuclear power plants is

Options

A. U-235
B. U-238
C. U-236
D. enriched U-235

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Context**: The question asks about the fuel used in nuclear power plants. Understanding the context of nuclear energy is essential.

2. **Consider the Options**: The options provided are:
- Option 1: Uranium-235
- Option 2: Uranium-238
- Option 3: Uranium-236
- Option 4: Enriched Uranium-235

3. **Understand Nuclear Fuel**: In nuclear power plants, the fuel must be capable of undergoing fission, which is the splitting of atomic nuclei to release energy.

4. **Research Uranium Types**:
- **Uranium-235**: This isotope is known for its ability to sustain a nuclear chain reaction, making it suitable for nuclear fission.
- **Uranium-238**: This isotope is more abundant but does not readily undergo fission. It can be converted into plutonium-239, which is also used as fuel.
- **Uranium-236**: This isotope is not naturally occurring and is typically produced in reactors from Uranium-235.
- **Enriched Uranium-235**: This refers to uranium that has a higher percentage of Uranium-235 than found in natural uranium.

5. **Determine the Correct Answer**: Based on the properties of the uranium isotopes, the most suitable fuel for nuclear power plants is **Uranium-235**. It is specifically used because its atoms can be easily split apart, which is essential for the fission process.

6. **Conclusion**: Therefore, the correct answer is **Option 1: Uranium-235**.

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