Uranium was first discovered in 1789 by Martin Klaproth. It was formed in supernovas about 6.6 billion years ago. Uranium is one of the heavier elements on the periodic table, being 18.7 times as dense as water. It is element number 92 and this specific isotope has 235 nucleons. This indicates to us that Uranium 235 has 92 protons, 92 electrons, and 143 neutrons. Uranium’s slow radioactive decay is the main source of heat inside the earth, causing convection and continental drift.
Uranium 235 is the only naturally occurring fissionable fuel (can sustain a chain reaction) in the world. U-235 is special because it can readily split, which would create a lot of energy. It is called ‘fissile’. When the nucleus of U-235 atoms captures a neutron, it splits in two. This causes a release in energy in the form of heat, as well as 2 to 3 neutrons being thrown off. Nuclear factories use Uranium 235 as their main source of fuel. The heat given off by the fuel is used to …show more content…
Because all uranium isotopes are primarily alpha emitters, they are only hazardous if ingested or inhaled. However, because several of the radioactive uranium decay products are gamma emitters, workers in the vicinity of large quantities of uranium in storage or in a processing facility can also be exposed to low levels of external radiation which is very dangerous.
Uses of Uranium 235 is mainly used as a fuel. It is used as fuel for nuclear power plants. It even fuels nuclear reactors that make naval ships and submarines run. Its most dangerous use is through nuclear weapons. Scientists would use the chain reaction which U-235 is capable of sustaining to create powerful nuclear weapons. Uranium 235 played a vital role during the Manhattan Project. The Manhattan Project would be the first time in history in which mankind had created a nuclear weapon, and this project would forever change the
Uranium 235 is the only naturally occurring fissionable fuel (can sustain a chain reaction) in the world. U-235 is special because it can readily split, which would create a lot of energy. It is called ‘fissile’. When the nucleus of U-235 atoms captures a neutron, it splits in two. This causes a release in energy in the form of heat, as well as 2 to 3 neutrons being thrown off. Nuclear factories use Uranium 235 as their main source of fuel. The heat given off by the fuel is used to …show more content…
Because all uranium isotopes are primarily alpha emitters, they are only hazardous if ingested or inhaled. However, because several of the radioactive uranium decay products are gamma emitters, workers in the vicinity of large quantities of uranium in storage or in a processing facility can also be exposed to low levels of external radiation which is very dangerous.
Uses of Uranium 235 is mainly used as a fuel. It is used as fuel for nuclear power plants. It even fuels nuclear reactors that make naval ships and submarines run. Its most dangerous use is through nuclear weapons. Scientists would use the chain reaction which U-235 is capable of sustaining to create powerful nuclear weapons. Uranium 235 played a vital role during the Manhattan Project. The Manhattan Project would be the first time in history in which mankind had created a nuclear weapon, and this project would forever change the