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Chapter 15: Problem 13

How do fast-neutron and fusion reactors work? Does either one offer promise for alleviating our energy shortage?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Fast-neutron reactors work by using high-energy neutrons to convert non-fissile material into fissile material, thus creating more fuel than consumed. Fusion reactors work by fusing two light atomic nuclei together under intense conditions to release significant energy. Both offer promise for alleviating energy shortages but are currently limited by various technological and safety challenges.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Fast-neutron Reactors

Fast-neutron reactors, also known as fast-breeder reactors, are designed to produce more fissile material (such as plutonium-239) than they consume during their operation. They achieve this by using high-energy neutrons to transmute uranium-238, which is non-fissile, into plutonium-239, which is fissile. Therefore, they are called 'breeders'. This approach potentially offers a sustainable and efficient mode of nuclear energy production.
02

Understanding Fusion Reactors

Fusion reactors work on the principle of nuclear fusion, where the nuclei of two light atoms (like hydrogen isotopes) are fused together under high temperatures and pressures. This reaction releases a significant amount of energy. The challenge is maintaining the reactant mix at sufficient pressures and temperatures long enough to achieve significant energy production. The sun is a natural fusion reactor, converting hydrogen into helium and energy.
03

Comparison of Fast-neutron and Fusion Reactors

Both Fast-neutron and Fusion reactors have their advantages. Fast-neutron reactors could potentially utilize much of the natural uranium resources as fuel, while fusion reactors, if successfully developed, would provide an almost limitless supply of power, with the main fuel derived from water, which is plentiful.
04

Addressing Energy Shortage

If technological challenges of developing efficient and safe fast-neutron and fusion reactors are overcome, they could significantly alleviate the energy shortage problems. However, currently, their contribution to the global energy solution is limited due to various technical, economic, and safety challenges.

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