Thorium fuel cycle: production pathway of U-233 How is fissile U-233 obtained in reactor systems? Choose the correct option.
Mechanical Engineering
IC Engines and Nuclear Power Plants
Difficulty: Easy
Choose an option
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AProduced artificially (generic statement)
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BUsed as a basic raw material in nature
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CProduced when thorium is irradiated by neutrons
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DProduced by fission of U-238
Answer
Correct Answer: Produced when thorium is irradiated by neutrons
Explanation
ConceptThorium-232 absorbs a neutron → Th-233 → β-decay → Pa-233 → β-decay → U-233 (fissile). Thus, U-233 is bred from thorium under neutron irradiation.
Why others are incorrectU-233 is not a naturally abundant basic raw material; U-238 fission does not produce U-233 (U-238 primarily captures to Pu-239 via Np-239).
Final AnswerProduced when thorium is irradiated by neutrons