Home
Class 12
CHEMISTRY
Breeder reactors are nuclear reactors th...

Breeder reactors are nuclear reactors that are capable of converting non-radioactive isotopes into radioactive fissionable isotopes, which can be used for generating energy, `U-238`, a non-radioactive isotope is thus converted into radioactive.

A

`U-234`

B

`Pu-94`

C

`I-131`

D

`C-13`

Text Solution

AI Generated Solution

The correct Answer is:
To solve the question regarding the conversion of uranium-238 (U-238) into a radioactive fissionable isotope using a breeder reactor, we can follow these steps: ### Step 1: Understand the Concept of Breeder Reactors Breeder reactors are designed to convert non-radioactive isotopes into radioactive isotopes that can be used for energy generation. In this case, we are focusing on uranium-238 (U-238), which is a stable isotope. **Hint:** Breeder reactors utilize the process of artificial radioactivity to create new isotopes. ### Step 2: Identify the Reaction In a breeder reactor, U-238 is bombarded with a neutron. This neutron can be a free neutron, which is a neutron that is not bound to any nucleus. The reaction can be represented as follows: \[ \text{U-238} + \text{n} \rightarrow \text{X} \] Where X is the daughter nuclide formed after the reaction. **Hint:** Remember that the neutron must be fast-moving to effectively interact with the U-238 nucleus. ### Step 3: Determine the Daughter Nuclide When U-238 absorbs a neutron, it becomes U-239, which is unstable. U-239 will undergo beta decay to form a new element. The decay can be represented as: \[ \text{U-239} \rightarrow \text{Np-239} + \beta^- \] Where Np-239 is Neptunium-239, which is also unstable and will undergo another beta decay: \[ \text{Np-239} \rightarrow \text{Pu-239} + \beta^- \] Thus, after two beta decays, the final product is Plutonium-239 (Pu-239). **Hint:** Keep track of the atomic numbers and mass numbers during the decay process. ### Step 4: Write the Final Result The final radioactive fissionable isotope produced from the conversion of U-238 in a breeder reactor is Plutonium-239 (Pu-239), which has an atomic number of 94. **Hint:** The atomic number increases by 1 with each beta decay due to the conversion of a neutron into a proton. ### Conclusion The radioactive fissionable isotope produced from the non-radioactive U-238 through the process in a breeder reactor is Plutonium-239 (Pu-239). **Final Answer:** Plutonium-239 (Pu-239)
Promotional Banner

Topper's Solved these Questions

  • NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY

    CENGAGE CHEMISTRY ENGLISH|Exercise Exercises Link Comprehension|30 Videos
  • NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY

    CENGAGE CHEMISTRY ENGLISH|Exercise Exercises Multiple Correct|26 Videos
  • NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY

    CENGAGE CHEMISTRY ENGLISH|Exercise Ex6.4 Objective|7 Videos
  • NCERT BASED EXERCISE

    CENGAGE CHEMISTRY ENGLISH|Exercise Nuclear Chemistry (NCERT Exercise)|29 Videos
  • ORGANIC COMPOUNDS WITH FUNCTIONAL GROUP

    CENGAGE CHEMISTRY ENGLISH|Exercise Archives Analytical And Descriptive|24 Videos

Similar Questions

Explore conceptually related problems

Which isotope of carbon is radioactive?

The number of neutrons in the radioactive isotope of hydrogen is

The isotope of hydrogen which is radioactive is

In which of the following radioactive isotopes I -131 is not used?

Which isotope of hydrogen is radioactive in nature?

Radioactive isotopes employed to study photosynthesis are

The half-life of a certain radioactive isotope is 32 h .What fraction of a sample would ramain after 16h ?

Which of the radioactive isotopes is used for temperature control in blood disease?

Which of the following isotopes of hydrogen is radioactive?

The half - life of a radioactive isotope is always. ………………………… .