Neutron Capture by Uranium-238

238U + 1n → 239U → 239Np → 239Pu

概要

Uranium-238 captures a neutron to form uranium-239, which beta decays (23.5 min) to neptunium-239, which beta decays (2.36 days) to fissile plutonium-239. This breeding reaction produces more fissile material in fast breeder reactors than is consumed, potentially extending nuclear fuel reserves by a factor of 60.

参加者

役割 物質 係数 状態
反応物 Uranium U 1 (s)
生成物 Plutonium Pu 1 (s)

日常の例

In every nuclear reactor, some U-238 converts to Pu-239 by this process, contributing about one-third of the energy produced.

産業上の重要性

プルトニウム増殖は核燃料サイクルの中核を担う。ロシアのBN-800などの高速増殖炉は実証済みであり、天然ウランの利用効率を大幅に向上させる技術として開発が続いている。

特性

タイプ
Nuclear
可逆的
いいえ
エネルギー
発熱性
ΔH
-500000000.0 kJ/mol

関連する反応

Alpha Decay of Radium-226 Alpha Decay of Radon-222 Alpha Decay of Thorium-232 Beta Decay of Iodine-131 Beta Decay of Strontium-90 Alpha Decay of Polonium-210 Americium-241 Alpha Decay Beta Decay of Cobalt-60 Plutonium-239 Fission Electron Capture by Beryllium-7

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the equation for Neutron Capture by Uranium-238?
The balanced equation is: ²³⁸U + ¹n → ²³⁹U → ²³⁹Np → ²³⁹Pu.
What type of reaction is Neutron Capture by Uranium-238?
Neutron Capture by Uranium-238 is a nuclear reaction.
Is Neutron Capture by Uranium-238 exothermic or endothermic?
Neutron Capture by Uranium-238 is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -500000000.0 kJ/mol.