BREEDER REACTOR Meaning and
Definition
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A breeder reactor is a type of nuclear reactor designed to produce more fissile material (e.g., plutonium) than it consumes, achieving a self-sustaining chain reaction. Fissile material is created through the process of breederation, in which non-fissile isotopes are converted into fissile isotopes by capturing neutrons. These neutrons are then effectively utilized to sustain the nuclear reaction. Breeder reactors typically use a fast neutron spectrum to facilitate the conversion of fuel into fissionable material.
In a breeder reactor, the nuclear fuel utilized is typically a mixture of fertile and fissile materials, such as uranium-238 and plutonium-239. During operation, the fissile material undergoes fission and releases energy, while the surrounding fertile material absorbs neutrons and gradually transforms into new fissile material. This process allows the reactor to sustain a nuclear chain reaction while simultaneously producing additional fuel.
The ability to produce more fissile material than it consumes makes the breeder reactor an attractive option for long-term sustainable energy generation. By effectively utilizing nuclear fuel resources, breeder reactors have the potential to significantly extend the lifetime of nuclear power production. However, the technology and implementation of breeder reactors present challenges related to safety, waste management, and the potential for proliferation of nuclear weapons materials.
Common Misspellings for BREEDER REACTOR
- vreeder reactor
- nreeder reactor
- hreeder reactor
- greeder reactor
- beeeder reactor
- bdeeder reactor
- bfeeder reactor
- bteeder reactor
- b5eeder reactor
- b4eeder reactor
- brweder reactor
- brseder reactor
- brdeder reactor
- brreder reactor
- br4eder reactor
- br3eder reactor
- brewder reactor
- bresder reactor
- bredder reactor
Etymology of BREEDER REACTOR
The word "breeder reactor" originated from the combination of two terms: "breeder" and "reactor".
The term "breeder" comes from the verb "breed", which means to produce offspring or reproduce. It dates back to the Old English word "bredan", derived from the Proto-Germanic word "brodjanan", meaning to hatch or brood. Over time, "breed" developed the specific meaning of producing offspring or multiplying, whether in animals, plants, or other organisms.
On the other hand, the term "reactor" refers to a device that facilitates and controls a nuclear chain reaction. The word "reactor" itself is derived from the noun "react", which comes from the Latin word "re-" (back) and "agere" (to do), meaning "to act in response or to interact".
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