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Nuclear Fission

Q4. Natural uranium consists of 99.3% and 0.7% .

In many nuclear reactors, the fuel consists of enriched uranium enclosed in sealed metal containers.

(a)

(i) Explain what is meant by enriched uranium.

(ii) Why is enriched uranium rather than natural uranium used in many nuclear reactors?

(2 marks)

(b)

(i) By considering the neutrons involved in the fission process, explain how the rate of production of heat in a nuclear reactor is controlled.

(ii) Explain why all the fuel in a nuclear reactor is not placed in a single fuel rod.

(5 marks)

(Total 7 marks)