Neutron Capture by Uranium-238

238U + 1n → 239U → 239Np → 239Pu

Visão geral

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.

Participantes

Papel Substância Coeficiente Estado
Reagente Uranium U 1 (s)
Produto Plutonium Pu 1 (s)

Exemplo do cotidiano

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

Importância industrial

A reprodução de plutónio é central ao ciclo do combustível nuclear. Os reactores reprodutores rápidos, como o BN-800 na Rússia, são concebidos para maximizar esta conversão.

Propriedades

Tipo
Nuclear
Reversível
Não
Energia
Exotérmico
ΔH
-500000000,0 kJ/mol

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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.