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Uranium

Uranium is a heavy element with the atomic number 92 and the symbol U. In 1789 it was discovered in the mineral pitchblende by Martin Heinrich Klaproth , who named it after the planet Uranus

586 Questions

Which country is the largest producer of uranium?

According to the World Nuclear Association, as of 2009, the largest producer of uranium was Kazakhstan. See the link below for a complete list. Prior to 2009 it was Canada, which is now the second largest producer of Uranium.

Why is uranium radioactive?

Positives repel each other. In an atom, the nucleas is full repelling protons with their positive charge. It is the nuclear force that holds them together in the nucleus. A Helium atom has only 2 protons which makes it more stable.

Uranium on the other hand, has 92 protons all squashed together. This makes it very unstable which allows it to undergo gamma radiation.

That is why Uranium is radioactive.
Unstable atoms as uranium are radioactive; the stability depends on the ratio between protons and neutrons.

Which country is the first producer of uranium?

Uranium reserves are in:

Kazakhstan, Australia, Canada, United States, Namibia, Gabon, Niger, Malawi, South Africa, Brazil, Argentina, France, Spain, Germany, Romania, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, China, Russia, Iran, Greenland, Algeria, Bulgaria, Hungary, etc.

Uranium in meteorites?

Uranium can be found in small quantities in some meteorites, especially those known as carbonaceous chondrites. These meteorites are valuable for studying the early solar system and can contain various radioactive elements, including uranium, which provides insights into the age and formation of the meteorite. Scientists use uranium isotopes in meteorites to date their formation and understand processes like nucleosynthesis in the early universe.

Why Uranium is used in Atom Bombs?

The atomic bomb works by a physical phenomenon known as Fission. In this case, particles, specifically nuclei, are split and great amounts of energy are released. This energy is expelled explosively and violently in the atomic bomb. The massive power behind the reaction in an atomic bomb arises from the forces that hold the atom together called the strong nuclear force. The element used in atomic bombs is Uranium-235. Uranium's atoms are unusually large, and henceforth, it is hard for them to hold together firmly. This makes Uranium-235 an exceptional candidate for nuclear fission. Uranium is a heavy metal and has many more neutrons than protons. This does not enhance their capacity to split, but it does have an important bearing on their capactiy to facilitate an explosion. When a U-235 atom splits, it gives off energy in the form of heat and Gamma radiation, which is the most powerful form of radioactivity and the most lethal. When this reaction occurs, the split atom will also give off two or three of its "spare" neutrons, which are not needed to make either of the parts after splitting. These spare neutrons fly out with sufficient force to split other atoms they come in contact with. In theory, it is necessary to split only one U-235 atom, and the neutrons from this will split other atoms, which will split more...so on and so forth. This progression does not take place arithmetically, but geometrically. All of this will happen within a millionth of a second. Uranium is not the only material used for making atomic bombs. Another material is the element Plutonium, in its isotope Pu-239. However, Plutonium will not start a fast chain reaction by itself. The material is not fissionable in and of itself, but may act as a catalyst to the greater reaction. The bomb basically works with a detonating head starting off the explosive chain reaction.

Why is uranium bad for humans and potassium not?

uranium is a radioactive substance which can cause mutations in cell while potassium is non-radioactive. in fact it is required in our body for transmission of nerve impulse and osmoregulation. ----------- Potassium-40 is also radioactive ! But uranium is also a toxic element and as a radioactive element is more dangerous that potassium (alpha particle emitter, gamma irradiation, radioactive descendents as radon).

How does uranium look?

Uranium is a dense, silvery-white metal that typically appears as a solid. It has a high atomic number and is slightly radioactive. In its natural state, uranium can be found in various mineral forms.

Is uranium needed by humans Why or Why not?

no, it serves no biological purpose in any multicellular organism. some primitive bacteria can use it in their metabolism to help convert their food to ATP though, but they can also use other chemicals similarly.

Price of uranium?

The price of uranium can vary widely depending on factors such as supply and demand, geopolitical events, and market speculation. In recent years, the price has been relatively low due to oversupply and decreased demand for nuclear energy.

What are the properties of uranium?

Chemical properties: All of its isotopes are radioactive. It has a wide range of oxidation states. It is flammable and pyrophoric when finely divided.

Physical properties: It is silvery black in color. It is the only element having naturally occurring isotopes than can support a nuclear fission chain reaction.

Is uranium still used today?

Yes, uranium is still used today primarily as a fuel for nuclear power plants to generate electricity. It is also used in some medical treatments, as well as in certain military applications like in nuclear weapons.

Mass of uranium atom?

it is exactly 238.02891 u ± 0.00003 u

or in other words you can write it as 395,256.10-24 grams

Electrons in uranium?

Electrons in uranium are arranged in energy levels and orbitals around the nucleus. Uranium has 92 electrons, with each electron occupying a specific orbital based on the Aufbau principle. The outermost electrons are involved in bonding and chemical reactions, determining the element's properties.

What does uranium look like?

Uranium is a dense, silvery-white metal that is weakly radioactive. In its natural state, it has a metallic luster and can also appear as a black oxide when exposed to air. It is primarily used in nuclear reactors and weapons.

What are isotopes and list the isotopes for uranium?

Any given element has a specific number of protons, but the number of neutrons varies; an isotope has a specified number of nucleons (protons plus neutrons). Hydrogen 1 has no neutrons, hydrogen 2 (also known as deuterium) has one neutron, hydrogen 3 (or tritium) has two neutrons.

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No.IsotopeRelative atomic mass 1.217U217,024 368 791 ± 0,000 093 262 2.218U 218,023 535 671 ± 0,000 032 763 3.219U219,024 919 160 ± 0,000 060 946 4.*220U220,024 723# ± 0,000 215# 5.221U221,026 399# ± 0,000 110# 6.222U222,026 086# ± 0,000 108# 7.223U223,027 738 600 ± 0,000 076 347 8.224U224,027 604 778 ± 0,000 027 176 9.225U225,029 390 717 ± 0,000 012 42810.226U226,029 338 702 ± 0,000 013 99911.227U227,031 156 367 ± 0,000 018 10412.228U228,031 374 006 ± 0,000 016 05113.229U229,033 505 939 ± 0,000 006 39614.230U230,033 939 784 ± 0,000 005 11015.231U231,036 293 704 ± 0,000 003 24216.232U232,037 156 152 ± 0,000 002 36517.233U233,039 635 207 ± 0,000 002 90418. **234U234,040 952 088 ± 0,000 001 960

(natural isotope)19. **235U235,043 929 918 ± 0,000 001 957

(natural isotope)20. 235mU "21.236U236,045 568 006 ± 0,000 001 96022.237U237,048 730 184 ± 0,000 002 01923. **238U238,050 788 247 ± 0,000 002 044

(natural isotope)24. 238m1U " 25. 238m2U "26.239U239,054 293 299 ± 0,000 002 05227.240U240,056 591 988 ± 0,000 005 53328.241U241,060 330# ± 0,000 320#29.242U242,062 931# ± 0,000 215#30. ***243U243,067 36 (not surely identified)31. ***244U244,069 95 (not surely identified)

Is uranium a compound or a mixture?

Uranium is a metallic element. It is a pure element and nether a compound nor a mixture. Uranium has the symbol U and number 92 on the periodic table. It is used by the military to make anti armour piercing munitions. It is also used in nuclear power stations. Uranium is an element. Its atomic symbol is U, atomic number is 92, and it has an atomic mass of 238.0 In nuclear reactors, however, only certain isotopes are used which are not found naturally. The uranium found naturally must be "enriched."

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.

Is snakeroot used as medicine?

Yes, snakeroot is used in herbal medicine for various purposes. It is commonly used to treat fevers, diarrhea, and as a diuretic. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider before using snakeroot for medicinal purposes.

What is the mass of a cubic meter of uranium in grams at 4 deg C?

The density of uranium at 4°C is approximately 19,050 kg/m^3. To convert this to grams per cubic meter, we multiply by 1000 to get 19,050,000 g/m^3. So, the mass of a cubic meter of uranium at 4°C is 19,050,000 grams.

How many atoms are in uranium?

1 Uranium = 1 atom.

U238 maintains 92 protons, 142 protons and 92 electrons.

How does uranium get in your body?

Uranium in drinking water is generally in the range of 2-10 micrograms/liter (depending of the region). No problems in these cases. Drinking waters with greater concentrations of uranium are harmful on long therm (internal irradiation with alpha particles and toxicity).

Where did uranium come from?

The chemical elements (excepting hydrogen and helium, possible also beryllium and lithium and of course the tranuranium elements) are formed by stellar nucleosynthesis followed by helium fusion.

What is the half life of uranium 238?

The half-life of uranium-238 is about 4.5 billion years. This means that it takes 4.5 billion years for half of a sample of uranium-238 to decay into thorium-234.