Nuclear fuel

Definition

Nuclear fuel is material used in nuclear reactors to sustain a nuclear chain reaction. Common examples include isotopes like Uranium-235 and Plutonium-239.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nuclear fuel undergoes fission reactions where atomic nuclei split into smaller parts, releasing energy.
2. Uranium-235 is the most commonly used isotope in nuclear reactors due to its ability to easily undergo fission.
3. Enrichment processes are required to increase the concentration of fissile isotopes like U-235 for effective use as nuclear fuel.
4. After use, nuclear fuel becomes highly radioactive and requires proper storage and disposal methods to manage nuclear waste.
5. Plutonium-239 is another important isotope that can be created from Uranium-238 through neutron absorption and subsequent beta decay.

Related terms

Fission:

A nuclear reaction in which an atomic nucleus splits into smaller parts, releasing energy.

Enrichment:

The process of increasing the proportion of fissile isotopes in uranium ore.

Nuclear Waste:

Radioactive materials remaining after the use of nuclear fuel, requiring special disposal methods.