Which of these radioactive elements is commonly used as a nuclear fuel

Analysis

The question asks for a radioactive element that is widely utilized as a fuel source in nuclear power plants to generate electricity through the process of nuclear fission.

Concept Explanation

Nuclear fuel is a substance that can be consumed by nuclear reactors to release energy. The most common process used is nuclear fission, where the nucleus of a heavy atom is split into smaller nuclei, releasing a massive amount of energy in the form of heat.

For an element to be an effective nuclear fuel, it must be fissile (capable of sustaining a chain reaction). Uranium-235 is the most widely used isotope for this purpose because its nucleus is unstable enough to be split by neutrons, yet stable enough to be handled and processed into fuel rods.

Step-by-Step Solution

1. Evaluate Option A (Uranium): Uranium (specifically the isotope U-235) is the primary fuel used in nuclear reactors worldwide. When bombarded with neutrons, it undergoes fission, releasing energy and more neutrons to sustain the reaction.
2. Evaluate Option B (Palladium): Palladium is a transition metal used primarily in catalytic converters and electronics. It is not a radioactive fuel source.
3. Evaluate Option C (Actinium): Actinium is a rare radioactive element. While it is radioactive, it is not used as a nuclear fuel due to its scarcity and high cost of production.
4. Evaluate Option D (Thorium): While Thorium is being researched as a potential future nuclear fuel (it is "fertile" rather than "fissile"), it is not currently the standard, commonly used nuclear fuel compared to Uranium.

Conclusion

Based on standard nuclear physics and industrial applications, Uranium is the element universally recognized as the primary nuclear fuel.

Exam Tip

When you see questions about "nuclear fuel" in JAMB Chemistry, always look for Uranium or Plutonium. These are the two heavy elements that dominate the nuclear energy industry. Don't get distracted by other radioactive elements like Thorium or Actinium, which are either experimental or not used for power generation.