What happens to U-235 and Pu-239 during operation?

Study for your EPRI Reactor Theory Exam. Prepare with multiple choice questions and explanations to ensure success. Get exam-ready now!

Multiple Choice

What happens to U-235 and Pu-239 during operation?

Explanation:
In reactor operation, the amount of U-235 decreases because it is the main fissile material that undergoes fission, getting consumed as the reactor runs. At the same time, neutrons interact with U-238 in the fuel and breed Pu-239 through a sequence of captures and beta decays (U-238 → U-239 → Np-239 → Pu-239). This breeding process causes Pu-239 to accumulate in the fuel over time. Although Pu-239 can also be fissioned, the overall trend during operation is a decrease in U-235 and an increase in Pu-239.

In reactor operation, the amount of U-235 decreases because it is the main fissile material that undergoes fission, getting consumed as the reactor runs. At the same time, neutrons interact with U-238 in the fuel and breed Pu-239 through a sequence of captures and beta decays (U-238 → U-239 → Np-239 → Pu-239). This breeding process causes Pu-239 to accumulate in the fuel over time. Although Pu-239 can also be fissioned, the overall trend during operation is a decrease in U-235 and an increase in Pu-239.

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