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Chapter 22: Problem 8

How is plutonium synthesised. What are its uses?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Plutonium is synthesised in nuclear reactors from uranium-238. It absorbs a neutron and undergoes beta decay to form neptunium-239, which further undergoes beta decay to form plutonium-239. Plutonium is used in nuclear reactors as a fuel due to its fissionable property, in nuclear weapons manufacturing, powering space missions and scientific research.

Step by step solution

01

Formation of Plutonium

Plutonium is formed in nuclear reactors from uranium-238. The uranium-238 absorbs a neutron to produce uranium-239, which undergoes beta decay to form neptunium-239. Neptunium-239 further undergoes beta decay to form plutonium-239.
02

Applications of Plutonium

Some primary uses of Plutonium are:1. Nuclear Energy: Plutonium-239, in particular, is used as a fuel in nuclear reactors due to its ability to undergo fission chain reactions, leading to the release of vast amounts of energy.2. Nuclear Weapons: Plutonium-239 is also used in the manufacturing of nuclear weapons because of its fissionable properties.3. Space Exploration: Plutonium-238 provides a long-lived heat source through radioactive decay, which is converted into electricity for powering space missions.4. Scientific Research: Plutonium plays a crucial role in many studies, such as investigating its properties and complex behavior.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Give a brief account of ores of lanthanides.

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