Final answer:
Kerosene is used in the PUREX process to reduce the viscosity of TBP, facilitating the handling of the solvent mixture and improving the extraction of nuclear materials.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked why kerosene is used as a solvent in the PUREX process along with tributyl phosphate (TBP). The correct answer to this question is: (c) It reduces the viscosity of TBP. Kerosene is added to TBP in the PUREX process, which is a method of nuclear reprocessing, to decrease its viscosity and improve phase separation. It is important because a lower viscosity facilitates the handling of the solvent mixture and enhances the extraction process by allowing better interaction between the solvent and the aqueous phase containing the dissolved nuclear materials.
Since kerosene has a low viscosity and is immiscible with water, it is an ideal choice to dilute the TBP without affecting the extraction efficiency negatively. The reason kerosene is used as a solvent in the PUREX process along with tributyl phosphate (TBP) is that it enhances extraction efficiency. Kerosene helps to dissolve and extract the desired components more effectively, leading to a higher yield of the desired product. Additionally, kerosene also reduces the viscosity of TBP, making it easier to handle and mix with other substances in the process.