Q. With reference to isotopes of Uranium, which of the following is / are correct statements?
U-238 is the most abundant isotope of uranium and is found in nature in much greater quantities than U-235.
Only U-235 is fissile and can sustain chain reaction but U-238 is fertile
Select the correct option from the codes given below:
Answer: Both 1 & 2
Notes: U-238 has a higher atomic mass (238 atomic mass units) compared to U-235 (235 atomic mass units). U-238 is the most abundant isotope of uranium and is found in nature in much greater quantities than U-235.
U-235 is more easily fissile, meaning that it is more likely to undergo nuclear fission when bombarded by thermal neutrons. This makes it an important fuel for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons, whereas U-238 does not undergo fission as easily. Only U-235 can sustain a chain reaction and undergo nuclear fission when bombarded by thermal neutrons.
U-238 is considered fertile, meaning that it can undergo neutron capture and, under certain conditions, be transformed into fissile isotopes such as plutonium-239. These properties make U-235 important as a fuel for nuclear reactors and nuclear weapons, while U-238 is typically used as a blanket to absorb stray neutrons in reactors.
Above question is part of 10000+ MCQs for UPSC (Prelims) Paper-1 course in GKToday Android app.
