Difference between revisions of "Plutonium"
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Fairfieldrr (talk | contribs) (headings, more information on plutonium, small fixes) |
(Undo revision 621045 by Fairfieldrr (Talk) cutnpaste www.cdphe.state.co.us/rf/plutoniu.htm) |
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| − | {{Element | name=Plutonium | symbol=Pu | anumber=94 | amass=244 amu | state=Solid | class=Metallic | cstructure=Monoclinic| color=silvery | date=1940 | discname=G.T.Seaborg, A.C.Wohl and J.W.Kennedy | origname=Named after the planet Pluto. | uses=Fuel for nuclear reactors, as well as nuclear | + | {{Element | name=Plutonium | symbol=Pu | anumber=94 | amass=244 amu | state=Solid | class=Metallic | cstructure=Monoclinic| color=silvery | date=1940 | discname=G.T.Seaborg, A.C.Wohl and J.W.Kennedy | origname=Named after the planet Pluto. | uses=Fuel for nuclear reactors, as well as nuclear wepaons. | obtained=Found in small doses in some [[uranium]] ores. Also manufactured by bombarding [[uranium]] with [[neutrons]]. }} |
| − | '''Plutonium''' is a [[silver]]y radioactive metal named after the planet [[Pluto]]. | + | '''Plutonium''' is a [[silver]]y radioactive metal named after the planet [[Pluto]]. It is a [[man]]-made element discovered in 1940 after uranium-238 was bombarded with [[neutron]]s in a device called a [[cyclotron]]. Plutonium-238, as well as uranium-235 and uranium-233, are among the few materials whose [[atom]]s can be split (or "[[Nuclear fission|fissioned]]") to create a nuclear explosion, which releases massive amounts of [[energy]] almost instantaneously. |
| − | == | + | ==Weapons of Mass Destruction== |
| − | + | Plutonium is used in the manufacture of [[nuclear weapon]]s. It was first made in significant quantities during the [[World War II]] [[Manhattan Project]]. Plutonium can also be used as a [[fuel]] in certain types of [[nuclear reactor]]s where the fission process is controlled so that large quantities of energy are released more slowly to make [[steam]] and produce electricity. The split plutonium atoms become lighter elements such as [[cesium]]-137 and [[strontium]], many of which are highly [[radioactive]]. These "fission products" are radioactive waste, although some are useful for nuclear medicine and other purposes. | |
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| − | Plutonium is used in the manufacture of [[nuclear weapon]]s. It was first made in significant quantities during the [[World War II]] [[Manhattan Project]]. | ||
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| − | Plutonium can also be used as a [[fuel]] in certain types of [[nuclear reactor]]s where the fission process is controlled so that large quantities of energy are released more slowly to make [[steam]] and produce electricity. The split plutonium atoms become lighter elements such as | ||
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[[category:Elements]] | [[category:Elements]] | ||
[[Category:Metals]] | [[Category:Metals]] | ||
Revision as of 06:27, February 9, 2009
| Plutonium | |
|---|---|
| Properties | |
| Atomic symbol | Pu |
| Atomic number | 94 |
| Classification | Metallic |
| Atomic mass | 244 amu |
| Other Information | |
| Date of discovery | 1940 |
| Name of discoverer | G.T.Seaborg, A.C.Wohl and J.W.Kennedy |
| Name origin | Named after the planet Pluto. |
| Uses | Fuel for nuclear reactors, as well as nuclear wepaons. |
| Obtained from | Found in small doses in some uranium ores. Also manufactured by bombarding uranium with neutrons. |
Plutonium is a silvery radioactive metal named after the planet Pluto. It is a man-made element discovered in 1940 after uranium-238 was bombarded with neutrons in a device called a cyclotron. Plutonium-238, as well as uranium-235 and uranium-233, are among the few materials whose atoms can be split (or "fissioned") to create a nuclear explosion, which releases massive amounts of energy almost instantaneously.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Plutonium is used in the manufacture of nuclear weapons. It was first made in significant quantities during the World War II Manhattan Project. Plutonium can also be used as a fuel in certain types of nuclear reactors where the fission process is controlled so that large quantities of energy are released more slowly to make steam and produce electricity. The split plutonium atoms become lighter elements such as cesium-137 and strontium, many of which are highly radioactive. These "fission products" are radioactive waste, although some are useful for nuclear medicine and other purposes.