Chapter 20, Problem 20.44QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: the difference between a light water and a heavy water nuclear fission reactor & also the advantages of a breeder reactors over a conventional nuclear fission reactors should be discussed.

Concept introduction:

Heavy water molecule contain deuterium, which is an isotope of hydrogen and has a neutron in addition to the proton.

The hydrogen in light water molecule contain only the proton. ( ${\text{H}}_1^1$ protium)

Breeder reactor: A nuclear reactor which create fissile material, at a faster rate .

Uranium-235 is used as fuel for breeder reactor.

To determine: The difference between a light water and a heavy water nuclear fission reactor.