Uranium (U) is a metallic, silver-gray element that is a member of the actinide series. It is the principle fuel for nuclear reactors, but it also used in the manufacture of nuclear weapons. Uranium has an atomic number of 92 which means there are 92 protons and 92 electrons in the atomic structure. U-238 has 146 neutrons in the nucleus, but the number of neutrons can vary from 141 to 146. Because uranium is radioactive, it is constantly emitting particles and changing into other elements. Uranium has a well-established radioactive decay series. U-238 and U-235 (which has 143 neutrons) are the most common isotopes of uranium. Uranium naturally contains all three isotopes (U-238, U-235 and U-234). Continue reading from New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources
Uranium is a heavy metal which has been used as an abundant source of concentrated energy for over 60 years.
Uranium occurs in most rocks in concentrations of 2 to 4 parts per million and is as common in the Earth's crust as tin, tungsten and molybdenum. Uranium occurs in seawater, and can be recovered from the oceans.
The high density of uranium means that it also finds uses in the keels of yachts and as counterweights for aircraft control surfaces, as well as for radiation shielding. Continue reading from World Nuclear
