REACTOR BREEDER Meaning and
Definition
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A reactor breeder is a type of nuclear reactor specifically designed to produce more fissionable material (such as plutonium-239) than it consumes during the process of generating electricity. Its primary purpose is to create additional fissile material, which can be used as fuel for nuclear weapons or as fuel for other nuclear reactors.
The operation of a reactor breeder involves a configuration in which non-fissionable materials, usually uranium-238, are irradiated by neutrons produced through fission reactions. These neutron rays stimulate nuclear reactions that transform the uranium-238 into plutonium-239, which is a highly fissile isotope suitable for sustaining nuclear chain reactions. In this manner, the breeder reactor converts non-fissile material into a valuable fuel that can potentially meet the world's increasing energy demands.
Due to its capability to produce more fissile material than it consumes, a reactor breeder is regarded as a highly efficient source of nuclear energy. It represents a breakthrough in terms of fuel utilization as compared to traditional nuclear reactors, which primarily rely on consuming fuel without significant breeding capabilities. However, the usage of reactor breeders has raised concerns regarding their potential use in the proliferation of nuclear weapons, as they can also produce weapons-grade plutonium.
Overall, a reactor breeder is a specialized type of nuclear reactor designed to convert non-fissile materials into fissile materials, thus increasing the availability of nuclear fuel for power generation or alternative applications.
Common Misspellings for REACTOR BREEDER
- eeactor breeder
- deactor breeder
- feactor breeder
- teactor breeder
- 5eactor breeder
- 4eactor breeder
- rwactor breeder
- rsactor breeder
- rdactor breeder
- rractor breeder
- r4actor breeder
- r3actor breeder
- rezctor breeder
- resctor breeder
- rewctor breeder
- reqctor breeder
- reaxtor breeder
- reavtor breeder
- reaftor breeder
- readtor breeder
Etymology of REACTOR BREEDER
The term "reactor breeder" combines two words: "reactor" and "breeder". Here is the etymology of both words:
1. Reactor:
The word "reactor" has its roots in the Latin word "reactus", which is the past participle of "reagere". "Reagere" combines "re-" (meaning again) and "agere" (meaning to do or to act). In English, "reactor" refers to a device or structure that is used to contain or control a nuclear reaction, typically referring to a nuclear power plant.
2. Breeder:
The word "breeder" comes from the Old English word "bredan", meaning "to bring up, nurture, or support".
