uranium
Uranium is a heavy, naturally occurring metal used primarily as fuel in nuclear reactors and in the production of nuclear weapons. It is notable for its ability to undergo fission, a process where its atoms split to release a significant amount of energy. Found mainly in ores, uranium is processed and enriched for use in energy generation. The isotopes uranium-235 and uranium-238 are the most important for these applications, with uranium-235 being the more rare and fissile form. While it offers a low-carbon energy source, uranium also raises concerns about safety, waste management, and potential proliferation.
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Uranium is a heavy, metallic element commonly found in the Earth's crust. It's best known for its use as fuel in nuclear power plants, where it undergoes a process called nuclear fission to generate energy. Uranium is also used in making nuclear weapons. Naturally occurring uranium is mostly found in the form of two isotopes: U-238 and U-235, with U-235 being the isotope that can sustain a nuclear reaction. While uranium is crucial for energy production, it poses environmental and health risks if not managed properly, including radioactive contamination and mining impacts.