The diagram below shows how uranium is used in the production of nuclear power. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.

The flow chart illustrates the process of producing nuclear power from

uranium

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, starting with

uranium

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extraction and ending with the recycling of spent

fuel

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.

This

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procedure consists of six distinct steps, which can be broadly categorized into two main stages: preparation of nuclear

fuel

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and electricity generation. The process begins with the excavation of

uranium

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ore from mines.

Subsequently

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, the raw ore is combined with specific chemicals to enrich the

uranium

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, increasing the concentration of the fissile isotope U-235.

This

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enriched

uranium

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is

then

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fabricated into

fuel

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pellets, which complete the

fuel

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preparation stage. In the next phase, these U-235

fuel

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pellets are loaded into nuclear reactors, where they serve as the primary energy source for generators that produce electricity. The nuclear

fuel

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remains in the reactor for approximately four years, during which time it gradually becomes depleted, or “spent.” Once spent, the

fuel

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is removed from the reactor core. A portion of

this

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spent

fuel

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undergoes reprocessing, enabling its reuse in the production cycle,

while

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the remainder is securely stored in containers and ultimately buried underground for long-term disposal.

Overall

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, the flow chart depicts a continuous cycle that emphasizes both the production of nuclear energy and the management of nuclear waste, highlighting the importance of

fuel

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recycling in the nuclear power industry.