nuclearfuel

Nuclear fuel is any material that can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. The most common type of nuclear fuel is uranium, particularly the isotope uranium-235. This isotope is fissile, meaning its nucleus can be split when it absorbs a neutron, releasing a significant amount of energy and more neutrons. These released neutrons can then go on to split other uranium-235 atoms, creating a chain reaction. In nuclear reactors, this controlled chain reaction is used to generate heat, which is then used to produce electricity.

Besides uranium, other materials can be used as nuclear fuel. Plutonium, particularly the isotope plutonium-239, is also fissile and is often produced as a byproduct in nuclear reactors. Thorium, specifically thorium-232, is a fertile material that can be converted into fissile uranium-233 within a reactor. These alternative fuels offer potential advantages in terms of resource availability and waste management. The design of a nuclear reactor dictates which type of fuel it can use and how it is configured, typically as fuel rods or assemblies containing enriched or natural uranium. The process of using nuclear fuel involves careful management of its physical and chemical properties to ensure safe and efficient operation. Spent nuclear fuel, which is no longer efficient for sustaining a chain reaction, requires careful handling and disposal due to its radioactivity.