What is the approximate enrichment of reactor grade uranium?

What is the approximate enrichment of reactor grade uranium?

• A. 3-5%
• B. 20-60%
• C. 90%
• D. 0-1%

Answer: (A)

Enrichment means increasing the fraction of the fissile isotope U-235 in uranium. Natural uranium has about 0.7% U-235, with most of it being U-238. For typical commercial reactors, fuel is lightly enriched to roughly 3–5% U-235. This level provides enough fissile material to sustain a controlled chain reaction with a moderator like water, while remaining practical to manufacture and handle. Higher enrichments, around 20–60%, are used in some research reactors, and about 90% is used for weapons-grade material. So reactor-grade uranium is approximately 3–5% enriched in U-235.

Enrichment means increasing the fraction of the fissile isotope U-235 in uranium. Natural uranium has about 0.7% U-235, with most of it being U-238. For typical commercial reactors, fuel is lightly enriched to roughly 3–5% U-235. This level provides enough fissile material to sustain a controlled chain reaction with a moderator like water, while remaining practical to manufacture and handle. Higher enrichments, around 20–60%, are used in some research reactors, and about 90% is used for weapons-grade material. So reactor-grade uranium is approximately 3–5% enriched in U-235.