Chapter 40, Problem 17A

To determine

The effect of putting a little Pu-239 with a lot of U-238 in a reactor.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction:

The isotope of uranium that found abundantly in the nature is U-235. The fission reaction of U-235 is not very easy because it occurs in natural form.

The amount of the isotope of uranium U-238 is very high than the other isotope U-235. The U-235 is easily fissionable but U-238 is not easily fissionable. U-238 becomes fissionable if small amount of the highly fissionable radioactive material is put together U-238.

The little amount of Pu-239 puts together with a lot of U-238 in a reactor to make the U-238 fissionable.

Conclusion:

Thus, the little amount of Pu-239 makes the large amount of U-238 fissionable in a reactor.