answersLogoWhite

0

Yes, depleted uranium is radioactive, but it is not as radioactive as naturally occurring uranium as it is refined after mining the ore. Depleted uranium is uranium that is "left over" after some of the U-235 isotope has been removed in a process called enrichment. You'll recall that the U-235 is sought after as a fuel in nuclear reactors and as the energy source in nuclear weapons. We might see a quote that depleted uranium is only about 60% as radioactive as natural uranium.

Depleted uranium is used in military vehicle armor and in armor-piercing projectiles. The use of this type of projectile can create dust that can be inhaled or enter the water or food supply. Uranium presents a hazard as a heavy metal poison as well as a radiation hazard, and debate continues over the use and long term effects of expenditure of these rounds. A link can be found below for more information to assist you in continuing research.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

Is depleted uranium 40 percent more radioactive than natural uranium?

Depleted uranium is approx. 60% less radioactive than an equivalent mass of natural uranium.


What is a Radioactive metal from which fissile isotope is removed?

Depleted Uranium


The primary health threat of depleted uranium or DU is from its toxicity as what?

Depleted uranium is mildly radioactive, but poses a considerable health threat as a heavy metal poison or toxin.


What is the toxic radioactive metalic waste element of uranium?

Uranium itself is a radioactive and toxic element. All the elements from the decay chain of uranium isotopes are also radioactive (ex.: radon, radium, etc.) excepting the final product, an isotope of lead.


What gene is depleted uranium on?

Any gene; depleted uranium is uranium containing more than 99,8 % of the isotope uranium 238.


Is uranium tetrafluoride - UF4 - radioactive?

All uranium compounds are radioactive to some degree.


Minimum safe distance from depleted uranium hazard?

The external irradiation from depleted uranium is not significative.


Is depleted uranium man made?

Depleted uranium is man made but the isotope 238U is natural.


When was Depleted Uranium Is a War Crime created?

Depleted Uranium Is a War Crime was created in 2006.


Is uranium a radioactive?

Yes, uranium is a radioactive element.


How do depleted uranium shells work?

Depleted uranium shells are used in armor-piercing ammunition due to their high density and hardness. When the shell strikes a target, the kinetic energy causes deformation and fragmentation of the depleted uranium, which then ignites on impact due to the high temperature generated, increasing the armor-piercing capability. Additionally, the radioactive properties of depleted uranium help in self-sharpening the penetrator, enhancing its ability to penetrate armored targets.


What is uranium and its types?

Uranium is a natural chemical element, metal, solid, toxic, radioactive. Natural uranium has three isotopes: 235U, 234U, 238U and also many artificial isotopes. Uranium can be natural, depleted or enriched; natural or irradiated; as metal or in alloys or compounds.