Uranium: Difference between revisions
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[[Uranium]] is a silvery-gray metallic chemical element in the [[actinide]] series of the [[periodic table]]. It has the symbol U and [[atomic number]] 92. It is weakly [[radioactivity|radioactive]]. It occurs naturally in low concentrations in soil, rock and water, and is commercially extracted from uranium-bearing minerals such as uraninite. | [[Uranium]] is a silvery-gray metallic chemical element in the [[actinide]] series of the [[periodic table]]. It has the symbol U and [[atomic number]] 92. It is weakly [[radioactivity|radioactive]]. It occurs naturally in low concentrations in soil, rock and water, and is commercially extracted from uranium-bearing minerals such as uraninite. | ||
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In nature, uranium atoms exist as uranium-238, uranium-235, and a very small amount of uranium-234. Uranium decays slowly by emitting an [[alpha particle]]. | In nature, uranium atoms exist as uranium-238, uranium-235, and a very small amount of uranium-234. Uranium decays slowly by emitting an [[alpha particle]]. | ||
It is used for its nuclear properties, including [[nuclear power generation]] and [[nuclear weapon]]s, as well as the mechanical characteristics of '''depleted uranium''', which is all U | It is used for its nuclear properties, including [[nuclear power generation]] and [[nuclear weapon]]s, as well as the mechanical characteristics of '''depleted uranium''', which is all <sup>238</sup>U. Depleted uranium is extremely dense, and has a number of applications as mechanical ballast. Its combined density and [[pyrophoric]] property make it effective as [[anti-tank weapon|antitank ammunition]]. | ||
==Fissionable uranium== | ==Fissionable uranium== | ||
Highly enriched uranium has the code name '''oralloy'', and is assumed to have a concentration of at least 90% <sup>235</sup>U. | Highly enriched uranium has the code name '''oralloy'', and is assumed to have a concentration of at least 90% <sup>235</sup>U. | ||
Revision as of 18:10, 6 May 2010
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Uranium is a silvery-gray metallic chemical element in the actinide series of the periodic table. It has the symbol U and atomic number 92. It is weakly radioactive. It occurs naturally in low concentrations in soil, rock and water, and is commercially extracted from uranium-bearing minerals such as uraninite.
In nature, uranium atoms exist as uranium-238, uranium-235, and a very small amount of uranium-234. Uranium decays slowly by emitting an alpha particle.
It is used for its nuclear properties, including nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons, as well as the mechanical characteristics of depleted uranium, which is all 238U. Depleted uranium is extremely dense, and has a number of applications as mechanical ballast. Its combined density and pyrophoric property make it effective as antitank ammunition.
Fissionable uranium
Highly enriched uranium has the code name 'oralloy, and is assumed to have a concentration of at least 90% 235U.