Neptunium

Neptunium is a radioactive element with the symbol Np and atomic number 93, discovered in 1940. It is a member of the actinide series, which includes elements like uranium and plutonium. Neptunium is mostly found in trace amounts in nuclear reactors and is produced during the fission of uranium. It has no significant commercial applications but is used in research and can be valuable in nuclear science. Due to its radioactivity, it must be handled with care, as exposure can pose health risks. Neptunium also plays a role in understanding the behavior of nuclear waste.