NUCLEAR FUEL Meaning and
Definition
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Nuclear fuel refers to any substance or material, typically a specific type of element or isotope, that is used to sustain a nuclear fission chain reaction within a nuclear reactor. It is the fundamental component that provides the necessary energy for the operation of nuclear power plants and other nuclear-driven systems.
Typically, nuclear fuel takes the form of uranium fuel pellets, composed primarily of uranium dioxide (UO2), sometimes mixed with other materials like plutonium or thorium. Uranium-235 (U-235) and plutonium-239 (Pu-239) are the most common isotopes used as nuclear fuel due to their fissile nature, meaning they can sustain a self-sustained chain reaction.
The nuclear fission process involves the splitting of the atomic nucleus of the fuel material, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the form of heat. This heat is then captured and utilized to produce steam, which in turn drives a turbine to generate electricity.
To ensure nuclear fuel remains stable and efficient, it is carefully manufactured into small discrete fuel pellets that are arranged in specific fuel assemblies. These assemblies are placed in the core of a nuclear reactor, where the regulated nuclear reactions take place.
Nuclear fuel is distinguishable by its capacity to release enormous amounts of energy from a small amount of matter, making it an efficient and compact source of power generation. However, it requires regulated handling and disposal due to its radioactivity and potential environmental risks.
Common Misspellings for NUCLEAR FUEL
- buclear fuel
- muclear fuel
- juclear fuel
- huclear fuel
- nyclear fuel
- nhclear fuel
- njclear fuel
- niclear fuel
- n8clear fuel
- n7clear fuel
- nuxlear fuel
- nuvlear fuel
- nuflear fuel
- nudlear fuel
- nuckear fuel
- nucpear fuel
- nucoear fuel
- nuclwar fuel
- nuclsar fuel
- nucldar fuel
Etymology of NUCLEAR FUEL
The word "nuclear fuel" is derived from two different sources.
The term "nuclear" is derived from the Latin word "nucleus", which means "kernel" or "central part". It was first used in the field of atomic science in the early 20th century to describe the central part or nucleus of an atom, where the majority of its mass and positive charge are located.
The term "fuel", on the other hand, has a different origin. It comes from the Old English word "fēol", which means "food" or "nourishment". Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include substances used for combustion or energy production, such as wood, coal, or oil.
The combination of these two terms, "nuclear" and "fuel", refers to the materials that are used to produce energy in nuclear reactions, particularly in nuclear power plants.
Similar spelling words for NUCLEAR FUEL
- nuclear fusion,
- nuclear warhead,
- nuclear chemist,
- Nuclear Rna,
- nuclear winter,
- nuclear club,
- nuclear reactor,
- nuclear power,
- nuclear weapon,
- nuclear fission,
- nuclear rocket,
- nuclear energy,
- nuclear physics,
- nuclear family.
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