Chapter 7, Problem 41Q

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The possibility of constructing nuclear bomb by terrorists using $\text{Pu-239}$ than $\text{U-235}$ has to be explained.

Concept Introduction:

$\text{U-235}$ is used as fuel in both nuclear reactor and nuclear weapons. Natural abundance of $\text{U-235}$ is very less compared to $\text{U-238}$. In order to use in reactor and weapons uranium has to be enriched with $\text{U-235}$.

$\text{Pu-239}$ is obtained from spent fuel of reactor by the decay of $\text{U-238}$ on bombarding with neutron.