Primary fuel used in nuclear power plants (common fissile) Identify the principal fissile fuel widely used to sustain the chain reaction in thermal power reactors. Choose the correct option.
Mechanical Engineering
IC Engines and Nuclear Power Plants
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AU-235
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BU-238
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CPu-239
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DPu-233
Answer
Correct Answer: U-235
Explanation
ConceptU-235 is the naturally occurring fissile isotope (≈0.7% in natural uranium) and is the primary fuel in many light-water reactors (enriched). U-238 is fertile (captures to Pu-239), while Pu-239 is fissile but generally bred and used in MOX; Pu-233 is uncommon.
Final AnswerU-235