Why must the uranium be enriched before it is used in the fuel rods?

Enriching Uranium Under controlled conditions, these extra neutrons can cause additional, nearby atoms to fission and a nuclear reaction can be sustained. The heat energy released, by the controlled nuclear reaction within the nuclear reactor, can be harnessed to produce electricity.

Can cars run on nuclear waste?

Nuclear power plants can be used to generate hydrogen, an alternative engine fuel that is emission-free. Electric cars and trucks can run for twice as long on hydrogen fuel and can be refueled in less than five minutes (the same amount of time it takes to refill a conventional car’s gas tank).

What has to be done to the uranium before it can be used in the fuel rods?

Uranium is the main fuel for nuclear reactors, and it can be found in many places around the world. In order to make the fuel, uranium is mined and goes through refining and enrichment before being loaded into a nuclear reactor.

Could a nuclear battery power a car?

There are some great benefits to a nuclear-powered car. It would rarely need to be refueled — perhaps every three to five years [Source: Stanford University]. Highly enriched uranium is so potent that just one pound can power a submarine or aircraft carrier. Even smaller amounts could conceivably power a car.

Why is uranium-238 not used for nuclear power?

The much more abundant uranium-238 does not undergo fission and therefore cannot be used as a fuel for nuclear reactors. Plutonium-239 also undergoes fission, with the production of more energy and more neutrons. These neutrons can then be used to breed more plutonium-239 from uranium-238.

Can nuclear fusion power cars?

“The reactor core itself (including shielding) for a small nuclear reactor could indeed fit into the engine compartment of a personal vehicle, which would generate ample energy to power a personal vehicle,” Dr. Thomas told us.