• Question: Hello, I was wondering what metal do you think is the best when creating nuclear power. I think it’s thorium as it it is fertile which means you can ‘turn it off’ when something goes wrong and it is concentrated when naturally found in the earths crust. Another reason is that unlike uranium it doesn’t produce as many toxic fumes making it cheaper to excavate. What do you think? Thank you, Jeremi :)

    Asked by anon-291351 to Tim, Megan on 23 Mar 2021.
    • Photo: Tim Burrow

      Tim Burrow answered on 23 Mar 2021:

      Hey Jeremi! Thank you for question! I would recommend Rebecca Haigh for this question, looking at her profile she would probably have more knowledge in the specifics of your question!

      Nonetheless, I believe it is a case that we can use Thorium as a nuclear fuel, however we still need Uranium in the process to kick start the chain reaction essentially to start generating power. Regarding the subject of toxic fumes, nuclear power plants don’t create any (even those that use Uranium) unlike traditional fossil fuels!

    • Photo: Megan Metcalfe

      Megan Metcalfe answered on 25 Mar 2021:

      Hi Jeremi! To be honest, it sounds as though you know more about nuclear physics than I do…

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