Uranium is one of the fissile material which is used for power generations. But All isotopes are not categorised as fissile. The
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- It should be able to sustain the chain reaction.
- It should have a high probability of fission when bombarded with slow/fast neutrons.
- Should release two or more neutrons on an average per collision so that it can compensate for non fission and absorptions in the moderator.
- It should have reasonably long half life.
- It shall be available in large quantities.
U-235 fits into above all criteria except the last one. Its enrichment is one of the important reason for high cost. Naturally uranium is available in the form of U-238. It is not fissile. .
The Advantage of thorium reactors are as follows:
- The first advantage is that it is four time more available than the uranium and is widely spread in the earth crust.
- Thorium has superior physical and nuclear properties.
- Smaller size of the reactor.
- There is reduced production of Plutonium and actinide. Hence low amount of radioactive waste.
- Thorium reactors offer better resistance to nuclear weapons of proliferation.
- Reduced risk of nuclear melt down.