MCQ Detailed View

A Fast Breeder Reactor (FBR) is a special type of nuclear reactor designed to produce more fissile material than it consumes. Unlike conventional reactors, which mainly use slow (thermal) neutrons for fission, a fast breeder reactor works with fast neutrons and does not have a moderator to slow them down. This allows it to efficiently use nuclear fuel and generate additional fuel during operation.

The typical fuel used in a fast breeder reactor is a mixture of uranium and plutonium carbide (U-Pu carbide). This fuel is chosen because it can withstand high temperatures and has excellent thermal conductivity, which is crucial in a reactor that operates with fast neutrons. The plutonium content in the fuel sustains the chain reaction, while uranium-238 in the fuel absorbs some neutrons to form more plutonium-239, effectively “breeding” new fuel. This makes the reactor highly efficient in utilizing available uranium resources.Let’s review the options:

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  Uranium Oxide: Used in many conventional reactors, but not ideal for fast breeder reactors due to lower breeding efficiency.

  
  


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  Uranium Plutonium Carbide: ✅ Correct. This mixed carbide fuel is most suitable for FBRs.

  
  


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  Uranium Plutonium Oxide: Used in some reactors, but carbides perform better in fast neutron environments.

  
  


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  Uranium Thorium Oxide: Used in certain experimental reactors but not common in fast breeder designs.

  
  

By using mixed carbide fuel, a fast breeder reactor not only produces energy but also creates more fissile material, making it a vital technology for sustainable nuclear power generation. This principle plays an important role in advanced nuclear physics and energy engineering.