Difference between revisions of "Uranium"
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'''Uranium''' is [[element]] number 92 on the [[periodic table]]. It is one of the heaviest elements found in nature, most commonly in the relatively stable Uranium-238 [[isotope]]. Lighter isotopes of uranium, such as U-235 and U-232, are unstable and prone to [[nuclear fission]]. | '''Uranium''' is [[element]] number 92 on the [[periodic table]]. It is one of the heaviest elements found in nature, most commonly in the relatively stable Uranium-238 [[isotope]]. Lighter isotopes of uranium, such as U-235 and U-232, are unstable and prone to [[nuclear fission]]. | ||
Unstable isotopes of uranium are used as fuel for nuclear reactors and as payload for [[nuclear weapon]]s. Preparing uranium for use as a nuclear weapon requires that it be highly "enriched" by separating the unstable atoms from the more stable U-238 atoms using specialized centrifuges. Uranium can also be enriched (to a lesser degree) for | Unstable isotopes of uranium are used as fuel for nuclear reactors and as payload for [[nuclear weapon]]s. Preparing uranium for use as a nuclear weapon requires that it be highly "enriched" by separating the unstable atoms from the more stable U-238 atoms using specialized centrifuges. Uranium can also be enriched (to a lesser degree) for use in nuclear reactors, although not all reactor designs require enriched fuel. | ||
[[Category: Science]] | [[Category: Science]] | ||
[[Category: Materials]] | [[Category: Materials]] | ||
Revision as of 21:05, 15 September 2011
Uranium is element number 92 on the periodic table. It is one of the heaviest elements found in nature, most commonly in the relatively stable Uranium-238 isotope. Lighter isotopes of uranium, such as U-235 and U-232, are unstable and prone to nuclear fission.
Unstable isotopes of uranium are used as fuel for nuclear reactors and as payload for nuclear weapons. Preparing uranium for use as a nuclear weapon requires that it be highly "enriched" by separating the unstable atoms from the more stable U-238 atoms using specialized centrifuges. Uranium can also be enriched (to a lesser degree) for use in nuclear reactors, although not all reactor designs require enriched fuel.