Correct option is B
Introduction:
This question tests knowledge about the concentration of Uranium-235 (U-235), the fissile isotope, in various forms of uranium, which is crucial for understanding nuclear technology.
Information Booster:
The ratio of U-235 increases significantly through the process of uranium enrichment. Here's the increasing order of U-235 concentration:
B. Uranium Ore: This is the raw material extracted from the earth. It contains a very low percentage of uranium, and within that uranium, the U-235 content is at its natural abundance.
A. Natural Uranium: After extraction and milling, this is uranium in its natural isotopic composition. It typically contains about 0.72% of U-235. The vast majority (about 99.28%) is U-238.
D. Reactor grade uranium: This is uranium that has been enriched for use as fuel in nuclear power reactors. The concentration of U-235 is typically between 3% and 5%. This level is sufficient to sustain a chain reaction in a power reactor but is far too low for a nuclear weapon.
C. Weapon-grade uranium: This is highly enriched uranium, specifically processed to have a very high concentration of U-235, typically 20% or more, often around 90% or higher. This high concentration is necessary for the rapid and uncontrolled chain reaction required for nuclear weapons.
Therefore, the correct increasing order of U-235 ratio is: B (Uranium Ore) < A (Natural Uranium) < D (Reactor grade uranium) < C (Weapon grade uranium).
Additional Knowledge:
U-235 is the only naturally occurring fissile isotope, meaning it can undergo nuclear fission when struck by a thermal neutron, releasing energy.
U-238 is much more abundant but is not fissile with thermal neutrons; it is a fertile material, meaning it can be converted into fissile plutonium-239 (Pu-239) in a reactor.
The enrichment process is complex and energy-intensive, separating the U-235 from the more abundant U-238.
English
10 Questions
20 Marks
12 Mins
