Difference between revisions of "Uranium"
m (link added) |
|||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
'''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, U-233, 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, U-233, 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 use in nuclear reactors, although not all reactor designs require enriched fuel. | 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 fission|nuclear reactors]], although not all reactor designs require enriched fuel. | ||
Depleted Uranium is elemental Uranium that is left over after all of the fissable isotopes have been removed from the material. When used as a projectile, the high density of Uranium makes for a powerful and effective weapon for the penetration of armor and is used as an anti-tank weapon. | Depleted Uranium is elemental Uranium that is left over after all of the fissable isotopes have been removed from the material. When used as a projectile, the high density of Uranium makes for a powerful and effective weapon for the penetration of armor and is used as an anti-tank weapon. | ||
Revision as of 03:58, 7 November 2013
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, U-233, 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.
Depleted Uranium is elemental Uranium that is left over after all of the fissable isotopes have been removed from the material. When used as a projectile, the high density of Uranium makes for a powerful and effective weapon for the penetration of armor and is used as an anti-tank weapon.