Question

Discuss the differences between a light water and a heavy water nuclear fission reactor. What are the advantages of a breeder reactor over a conventional nuclear fission reactor?

Short answer

The differences between light water and heavy water nuclear fission reactors are about the type of water and uranium used. Light water reactors use normal water and enriched uranium while heavy water reactors use heavy water and natural uranium. Breeder reactors are superior to conventional fission reactors as they generate more fissile material than they consume, increasing power generation from a given nuclear fuel volume.

Step-by-step solution

Discussing light water and heavy water nuclear fission reactors

Understand that nuclear reactors use uranium as fuel and rely on water as a moderator. The main difference between light water and heavy water reactors lies in the type of water used and the treatment of uranium fuel. Light water reactors use normal water (H2O) and require enriched uranium. On the other hand, heavy water reactors use deuterium-oxide (D2O, heavy water) and can utilize natural uranium.

Identifying the advantages of light water and heavy water reactors

Light water reactors are generally cheaper and easier to operate, but they produce more nuclear waste and are less efficient in fuel usage. Heavy water reactors are costly and technically challenging, but they are more efficient in fuel usage, produce less waste, and can use natural uranium, which is more abundant.

Describing breeder reactors and their advantages over conventional fission reactors

A breeder reactor is a type of nuclear reactor that creates more fissile material than it consumes. The main advantage of a breeder reactor over a conventional nuclear fission reactor lies in the efficient use of fuel. Breeder reactors generate power from both uranium-238 and plutonium-239, significantly increasing the amount of power that can be generated from a given amount of nuclear fuel.