Uranium
Being the heaviest natural occurring element on earth, uranium is a powerful entity for many creations, including the atomic bomb. (World Nuclear Association, 2009, pg.1) It also has more passive uses, such as in nuclear reactors giving industries the power needed to operate at such high tiers of performance. But with all these great opportunities, comes create consequence. So as it is such a dangerous material, it also has been under consistent research since 1789, when the element was first discovered. (University of California, 2003, pg.1)
Uranium is a radioactive element that occurs naturally in low concentrations in the earths crust, including but not limited to, the rock bed, soil, sea bed, sediment, as well as in the groundwater itself. According to the periodic table of elements, it has an atomic number of ninety-two, and in its pure form is a silver-colored heavy metal that is nearly twice as dense as lead and is pyrophoric when finely divided. Uranium is malleable, slightly paramagnetic, and ductile. (University of California, 2004, pg.2) Uranium consists of sixteen isotopes, all radioactive. (World Nuclear Associtaion, 2009, pg.4) Like other metals, Uranium becomes coated with a layer of oxide when exposed to air. (University of California, 2004, pg.2) This metal may be dissolved in acids, however remains unaffected by alkalis. (University of California, 2004, pg.2 )
Uranium was found to be first used in yellow-colored glass, which contained more then one percent uranium oxide, dating back to 79 A.D. found near Naples, Italy. (World Nuclear Association, 2009, pg.2) It was only until 1789 that German chemist, Martin Heinrich Klaproth, discovered the element when he recognized an unknown element in the mineral pitchblende, believed to be an ore consisting of Zinc, Iron, and Tungsten. (Cardosa, 1999, pg 1) He named the unknown element Uranium after a newly found planet, discovered by an astronomer by the name of William Hershel in the earlier year 1781. (World Nuclear Association, 2009, pg. 2) A few decades later, in the year 1841, a French chemist by the name of Eugene-Melchior Peligot became the first person to isolate the metal uranium, by reducing the anhydrous chloride with potassium. (University of California, 2003, pg. 1)
Uranium has much functionality in todays world; some of which are controlled, like in nuclear power plants. Other uses, uncontrollable, are the explosions; both of which have beneficial aspects as well as problematic probability for many people in todays world, as well as the future. Considering all three natural isotope of Uranium: uranium-238, uranium-235, and uranium-234; are radioactive; their nuclei remain unstable, allowing them to transform into other elements. (Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, 2005, pg. 1) This occurs in a process known as “radioactive decay,” typically includes emitting or absorbing particles; more generally gamma particle, thus resulting in the emission of gamma radiation- electromagnetic radiation, such as X-rays. (Institute of Energy and Environmental Research, 2005, pg. 1) This type of radiation is considered ionizing radiation and is energetic enough to break chemical bonds, possessing the ability to damage or destroy living cells. (Institute of Energy and Environmental Research, 2005, pg.1)
The most conventional and well-known use of Uranium is its importance in the development of nuclear fuel. Following a sequence of chemical reactions, Uranium may be made into fissionable plutonium; the fuel needed for nuclear power and weaponry. (Institute for Energy and Environmental Research, 2005, pg. 3) Uranium-235 is of high importance, having slow neutrons allowing for a higher possibility of a self-sustaining fission chain reaction; thus aiding in the necessary