Nuclear Energy Flashcards
How does molten salt improve efficiency of energy generation
it’s used as a coolant, which enables a reactor to operate at a higher temperature to increase efficiency of energy generation
What fuel is originally extracted for Plutonium Reactors, and what is it converted into?
U-238 can be converted into fissile Plutonium-239
Neutron Bombardment
Converts a ‘fertile fuel’ into ‘fissile fuel’ for use in nuclear fission.
Fertile Fuel
Fuel that can be converted into a fissile fuel to be used in nuclear fission.
Fissile Fuel
Fuel that can be use in nuclear fission.
What fuel is originally extracted for Thorium Reactors, and what is it converted into?
Thorium-232 can be converted into U-233
Breeder Reactor
A nuclear reactor which produces fissile material faster than it uses fissile fuel
name 3 types of new uranium extraction methods
- Polymer Adsorption
- Phosphate Mining
- Coal Ash
Why is Coal Ash not used for uranium extraction, although it may be one day?
Not economically viable, but that may change as the new technology develops further
how does using polymer adsorption separate uranium?
uranium dissolved in seawater adsorb onto certain polymers, and then the uranium can be separated using acids, as then it can be collected and concentrated.
How does phosphate mining work?
As phosphate deposits often contain uranium, uranium is separated from the materials to be collected.
What acids are used in Polymer Adsorption?
Melamine, phytic acid
fuel rods in a nuclear reactor, what are they and their use?
They contains fissionery nuclei which are placed next to each other. in the reactor core.
Moderators in a nuclear reactor?
Usually immersed in water, and they slow down neutrons in reactors to produce more controlled and stable nuclear fission.
Control rods in a nuclear reactor?
Absorb any spare excess neutrons to precent any further uncontrolled fission reactions.
