Could Tungsten or Tantalum Replace Thorium in Nuclear Reactors?

[Stanley514]

What periodic elements could be used in nuclear energetics to obtain energy profit?
It seems that every element heavier than Iron could undergo fission and give energy?
Could be such element as Tungsten or Tantalum used as fuel instead of Thorium?

 

[QuantumPion]

You can spallate any element you like but the process is so inefficient it is impossible to have a net energy gain. The only way to make energy efficiently is through neutron chain reactions, and this only works for the few isotopes which have a large probability of fissioning when absorbing a neutron.

Besides U and Th, Plutonium can be made and fissioned economically, but that's pretty much it. There are other isotopes which are fissionable, such as Am and Cf, but we can't make these in large quantities efficiently.

 

[Astronuc]

There is no effective fertile element lighter than (or Z less than) Th.

Some research is being done on Cm and Am fuels, and some exotic ideas with Cf. One problem with those transuranics is that they must be fabricated and inspected remotely because of the radation levels (gamma, beta and spontaneous fission).

Cm and Am are produced in significant quantities in MOX fuel.

 

[brian_palmer]

Besides U and Th, Plutonium can be made and fissioned economically, but that's pretty much it. There are other isotopes which are fissionable, such as Am and Cf, but we can't make these in large quantities efficiently.

Quite right, however even more restrictive is the need for the isotope to emit more than 2 neutrons per fission on average.

 

[alphy]

I can provide a response to your question. Uranium and Thorium are currently the two main elements used in nuclear energetics to obtain energy profit. However, there are other elements that could potentially be used as fuel in nuclear reactors.

One example is Plutonium, which is a byproduct of Uranium fission and is also used as a fuel in some nuclear reactors. Another element that has been studied for its potential use in nuclear reactors is Americium.

In terms of elements heavier than Iron, it is true that they can undergo fission and release energy. However, the feasibility and safety of using these elements as fuel in nuclear reactors are still being studied.

Regarding your suggestion of using elements like Tungsten or Tantalum as fuel instead of Thorium, it is important to consider the properties and behavior of these elements in a nuclear reactor. While they may have the potential to undergo fission, they may also have other properties that could make them unsuitable for use as fuel.

In conclusion, while there are potential alternatives to Uranium and Thorium as fuel in nuclear reactors, extensive research and testing would need to be done to determine their feasibility and safety. As scientists, it is important to continue exploring and studying different elements for their potential use in nuclear energetics.