FAST REACTOR Meaning and
Definition
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A fast reactor refers to a type of nuclear reactor that utilizes fast neutrons instead of thermal neutrons to sustain the fission chain reaction within the reactor core. In this type of reactor, the fission of heavy atomic nuclei such as uranium or plutonium occurs at a higher speed than in conventional reactors, thereby creating a greater number of fast neutrons.
Fast reactors typically employ a coolant that can effectively moderate the excess heat generated, such as liquid sodium or lead. These coolants are chosen for their ability to maintain the high operating temperatures required for efficient energy conversion. By utilizing fast neutrons, fast reactors can achieve higher levels of efficiency and burn more efficiently isotopes of plutonium, uranium, and other actinides, which are produced as by-products in conventional reactors.
The primary advantage of fast reactors lies in their ability to minimize nuclear waste by effectively transforming long-lived isotopes into shorter-lived fission products. This process is achieved through the utilization of a blanket region where fertile materials, such as uranium-238 or thorium-232, can be converted into new fissile materials.
Fast reactors offer the potential for sustainable nuclear energy production as they can utilize the abundant resources of naturally occurring uranium and thorium more efficiently. Additionally, they have the capability to reduce the volume and longevity of nuclear waste, leading to improved environmental and safety considerations.
However, fast reactors also present challenges such as the risk of collective reactor safety, the potential for proliferation of weapons-grade plutonium, and the technical complexity of handling highly reactive coolants such as liquid sodium.
Common Misspellings for FAST REACTOR
- dast reactor
- cast reactor
- vast reactor
- gast reactor
- tast reactor
- rast reactor
- fzst reactor
- fsst reactor
- fwst reactor
- fqst reactor
- faat reactor
- fazt reactor
- faxt reactor
- fadt reactor
- faet reactor
- fawt reactor
- fasr reactor
- fasf reactor
- fasg reactor
Etymology of FAST REACTOR
The word "fast" in the term "fast reactor" refers to the fast-neutron spectrum used in these types of nuclear reactors. The etymology of the word "fast" itself is attributed to the rapid movement or speed of particles involved in nuclear reactions.
In the context of nuclear reactors, neutrons are categorized into two groups based on their energies: thermal neutrons and fast neutrons. Thermal neutrons have lower energy and move at slower speeds, while fast neutrons possess higher energy and move at higher speeds.
The term "fast reactor" was coined to describe a type of nuclear reactor that uses fast neutrons to sustain the nuclear chain reaction. These reactors typically operate using a liquid metal coolant, such as liquid sodium, which allows for efficient transfer of heat and fast neutron speeds.
