General Chemistry: Atoms First
General Chemistry: Atoms First
2nd Edition
ISBN: 9780321809261
Author: John E. McMurry, Robert C. Fay
Publisher: Prentice Hall
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Chapter 22.6, Problem 22.9P
Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The conditions that allowed natural nuclear reactors to form two billion years ago and not possible today has to be interpreted.

Concept Introduction:

Natural nuclear reactor: Rich uranium deposits were flooded by groundwater, which acted as a moderator to slow the neutrons releases by fission of 235U and prevent their escape, thereby allowing a chain reaction to begin. As soon as the chain reaction started, though the heat released rapidly boiled away the groundwater, which stopped the process and shut down the reactor until it cooled. Ground water then returned and the chain reaction started.

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