In a modern light water reactor, the ratio of U²³⁵ to U²³⁸ in the nuclear fuel is typically in the approximate ratio of A) 0.7%. B) 100%. C) 11%. D) 3%. E) 67%.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ratio of U²³⁵ (uranium-235) to U²³⁸ (uranium-238) in light water reactor fuel is typically around 3%. This is because U-235 is the fissile isotope that undergoes nuclear fission in the reactor, while U-238 is the fertile isotope that can absorb a neutron and transmute into plutonium-239, which can also undergo fission. The reactor fuel is designed to have a small enrichment of U-235 to promote fission while still allowing for some production of plutonium-239.

In a Modern Light Water Reactor, the Ratio of U235

In a Modern Light Water Reactor, the Ratio of U²³⁵