Final answer:
The energy density of uranium-235 fuel is indeed higher than that of coal, which is true. Nuclear fuel, like uranium-235, releases a tremendous amount of energy through fission, far surpassing the energy from coal combustion. Uranium-235's high energy density makes it a preferred material for nuclear power generation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that the energy density of uranium-235 fuel is higher than the energy density of coal is true. Nuclear fuel, such as uranium-235, has an incredible energy density, which is about a million times greater than the energy density of chemical fuels like coal. This vast difference stems from the fact that nuclear fission reactions release significantly more energy when compared to chemical reactions, such as the combustion of coal.
For instance, one mole of U-235 undergoing fission releases energy equivalent to about 1.8 × 10±° kJ, which is vastly more than the energy produced by burning the same mass of coal. This efficiency makes uranium-235 and plutonium-239 superior fission fuels. Additionally, the nuclear force within the nuclei of these atoms is more attractive when they have an even number of neutrons, which enhances the likelihood of fission when an additional neutron is absorbed.
While natural uranium is predominantly made up of isotope U-238, U-235 is found in much smaller amounts but is crucial for nuclear reactors and weapons due to its high fissionability. Australia is known to have the largest deposits of uranium in the world. By harnessing the extreme energy density of U-235, nuclear power plants can generate large quantities of energy without the air pollution associated with burning fossil fuels.