Neutron Capture by Uranium-238

238U + 1n → 239U → 239Np → 239Pu

개요

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.

참여 물질

역할 물질 계수 상태
반응물 Uranium U 1 (s)
생성물 Plutonium Pu 1 (s)

일상 속 예시

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

산업적 중요성

증식로(브리더 원자로)에서 비핵분열성 우라늄-238을 핵분열 연료(플루토늄-239)로 전환하는 핵심 반응입니다. 핵무기 물질 생산에도 역사적으로 사용되었습니다.

성질

유형
Nuclear
가역 반응
아니오
에너지
발열
ΔH
-500000000.0 kJ/mol

관련 반응

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.