Question

The abundant ${}_{92}^{238}U$ isotope is non-fissionable but produces which radioactive element when captures neutron

• A. Thorium
• B. produces plutonium
• C. absorbs fast neutrons
• D. rejects slow neutrons

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

The abundant ${}_{92}^{238}U$ isotope, which does not fission, on capturing a neutron leads to the formation of plutonium. The series of reactions involved is
${}_{92}^{238}U+n\to {}_{92}^{239}U\to {}_{93}^{239}Np+e^{-}+\bar{v}$
${}_{93}^{239}Np\to {}_{94}^{239}Pu+e^{-}+\bar{v}$
Plutonium is highly radioactive and can also undergo fission under bombardment by slow neutrons.