Which of the following are true about breeder reactors? Choose the correct answer from the options given below.

1.They produce more fissile material than they consume

2.There are no breeder reactors in India

3.There are two types (fast and slow) of breeder reactors

4.For breeding operation the conversion ratio (fissile material produced/consumed) should be more than one

5.Breeder reactors produce more nuclear waste than conventional ones

A1, 3 and 4 only ✓ Correct

B1, 2 and 4 only

C2, 3 and 5 only

D1, 3, 4 and 5 only

Correct answer: (A) 1, 3 and 4 only

Explanation

A breeder reactor makes more fissile fuel than it burns, so statements 1, 3 and 4 hold true.

Statement 1 is right: it produces more fissile material than it consumes during operation.

Statement 2 is wrong: India does operate breeder reactors, such as those at Kalpakkam.

Statement 3 is right: breeders exist as fast-neutron and thermal-neutron types.

Statement 4 is right: the conversion ratio of fissile material must exceed one for breeding.

Statement 5 is wrong: breeders use fuel more efficiently and leave less, not more, nuclear waste.

They achieve this by turning fertile uranium-238 into fissile plutonium-239.

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