Chapter 19, Problem 57A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

A breeder nuclear reactor must be defined. The difficulties with such reactors due to which they are not used in the United State for the generation of electricity must be explained.

Concept Introduction:

Nuclear reactor is the arrangement in which radioactive materials are used as reactant for the generation of electricity.

Answer to Problem 57A

A breeder reactor is special type of nuclear reactor in which more fissionable materials are produced as compared to the material it is consuming.

Explanation of Solution

Though breeder reactor efficiently produces electric energy using radioactive materials still it is not used in US. During the energy generation process huge amount of radioactive materials are generated. These can’t be destroyed and radioactive decay continues following 1^st order kinetics.

This results potentially high radioactive exposure during reprocessing of the radioactive fuel.

At the same time these radioactive fuels are too costly. That’s why breeder nuclear reactor is not used in US for the generation of electric energy.