Answer:
The radioactive isotope commonly used to generate energy in nuclear power stations is Uranium
Explanation:
Uranium-235 is a naturally occurring isotope of uranium and is fissile, meaning it can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. This makes it highly suitable for use as fuel in nuclear reactors.
In a nuclear reactor, Uranium-235 undergoes fission, a process where the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei along with a few neutrons and a large amount of energy. The fission process can be initiated by bombarding the Uranium-235 nucleus with a slow-moving neutron.
When Uranium-235 absorbs a neutron, it becomes unstable and splits into smaller nuclei (fission products), releasing energy in the form of heat, and more neutrons. These released neutrons can then go on to cause further fission reactions in other Uranium-235 atoms, creating a self-sustaining chain reaction.
The heat produced during this chain reaction is used to produce steam, which drives turbines connected to generators to produce electricity.
