Multiple choice

Uranium-235 and Plutonium are known to be the elements which are the most efficient as nuclear fuels. Which of the following statements about them is/are true?

  1. Even though Uranium-235 is abundantly available in nature, it is always found mixed with the stable U-238, and hence requires enrichment before being used as a fuel.
  2. Plutonium-239 is the primary fissile isotope, which naturally occurs in abundant and unadulterated quantities, hence is preferred over U-335.

  1. Only 1

  2. Only 2

  3. Both 1 and 2

  4. Neither 1 nor 2
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A Correct answer
Explanation

One isotope of Uranium, namely Uranium-235, is naturally occurring and sufficiently unstable, but it is always found mixed with the more stable isotope Uranium-238. The latter accounts for more than 99% of the weight of natural Uranium. Alternatively, the element Plutonium possesses an isotope that is sufficiently unstable for this process to be usable. Plutonium does not occur naturally, so it must be manufactured in a nuclear reactor.

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