Question –The research nuclear reactor “Apsara” was –
(a) Asia’s first research reactor.
(b) World’s first research reactor.
(c) Asia’s second research reactor.
(d) None of the above.
Answer-(a)
Related facts-
- On 11 September 2018,Research reactor “Apsara-Upgraded”, of higher capacity established at Trombay.
- This comes after Apsara, Asia’s first research nuclear reactor.
- Chicago Pile-1 (CP-1) was the world’s first nuclear reactor.
- According to Department of Atomic Energy, the indigenously made reactor uses plate type dispersion fuel elements made of Low Enriched Uranium (LEU).
- On the basis of higher neutron flux, this reactor will increase indigenous production or radio-isotopes for medical application by about fifty percent and would also be extensively used for research in nuclear physics, material science and radiation shielding.
About Apsara- - Apsara, the first research reactor in Asia became operational in Trombay campus of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in August 1956.
- After providing more than five decades of dedicated service to the researchers, the reactor was shut down in 2009.
Research nuclear reactor- - Small fission reactors designed to produce neutrons for a variety of purposes, including scientific research, training, and medical isotope production.
- They are not designed to generate power.
References-
http://www.newsbharati.com/Encyc/2018/9/12/Apsara-nuclear-reactor-operational.html
http://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/non-power-nuclear-applications/radioisotopes-research/research-reactors.aspx