uranium-235

Uranium-235 is a naturally occurring isotope of uranium, making up about 0.7% of natural uranium. It is a radioactive element with the unique ability to sustain a nuclear chain reaction, releasing a large amount of energy when its atomic nuclei split—a process called fission. This property makes uranium-235 essential for nuclear power plants and weapons. In reactors, controlled fission generates heat used to produce electricity. Because of its importance, uranium-235 is often enriched to increase its concentration for use in reactors or weapons. It is carefully managed due to its radioactivity and potential for misuse.