College Physics (7th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 0-32160-183-1
ISBN 13: 978-0-32160-183-4

Chapter 30 - Nuclear Reactions and Elementary Particles - Learning Path Questions and Exercises - Conceptual Questions - Page 1029: 7

Answer

Most of the Uranium in a reactor is $U^{238}$. Though the isotope is not fissionable, it can be converted into $Pu^{239}$ by fast neutron bombardment and absorption. And $Pu^{239}$ is fissionable and can be used to make a bomb.

Work Step by Step

Most of the Uranium in a reactor is $U^{238}$. Though the isotope is not fissionable, it can be converted into $Pu^{239}$ by fast neutron bombardment and absorption. And $Pu^{239}$ is fissionable and can be used to make a bomb.
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