Question

In the reactor vessel, what is the typical composition of the fuel?

a) 3 percent uranium-235 mixed with 97 percent uranium-238.
b) 100 percent uranium-238.
c) 3 percent plutonium-240 mixed with 97 percent uranium-238.
d) 3 percent plutonium-240 mixed with 97 percent plutonium-240.

Answer 1

The typical composition of fuel in a nuclear reactor is 3 percent uranium-235 mixed with 97 percent uranium-238. Enrichment is the process used to increase the concentration of uranium-235.

Step-by-step explanation:

The typical composition of fuel in a nuclear reactor is 3 percent uranium-235 mixed with 97 percent uranium-238. Naturally occurring uranium contains less than 1 percent uranium-235, which is fissionable. In order to be used as fuel in a reactor, the concentration of uranium-235 must be increased to about 3 percent, which is achieved through a process called enrichment.