Uranium: Difference between revisions
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[[Uranium]] is a silvery-gray metallic chemical element in the [[actinide]] series of the periodic table. It has the symbol U and atomic number 92. It is weakly radioactive. It occurs naturally in low concentrations in soil, rock and water, and is commercially extracted from uranium-bearing minerals such as uraninite. | [[Uranium]] is a silvery-gray metallic chemical element in the [[actinide]] series of the [[periodic table]]. It has the symbol U and [[atomic number]] 92. It is weakly [[radioactivity|radioactive]]. It occurs naturally in low concentrations in soil, rock and water, and is commercially extracted from uranium-bearing minerals such as uraninite. | ||
In nature, uranium atoms exist as uranium-238, uranium-235, and a very small amount of uranium-234. Uranium decays slowly by emitting an [[alpha particle]]. | In nature, uranium atoms exist as uranium-238, uranium-235, and a very small amount of uranium-234. Uranium decays slowly by emitting an [[alpha particle]]. | ||
It is commonly used for its nuclear properties, including [[nuclear power generation]] and [[nuclear weapons]]. | It is commonly used for its nuclear properties, including [[nuclear power generation]] and [[nuclear weapons]]. | ||
Revision as of 06:30, 5 November 2008
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Uranium is a silvery-gray metallic chemical element in the actinide series of the periodic table. It has the symbol U and atomic number 92. It is weakly radioactive. It occurs naturally in low concentrations in soil, rock and water, and is commercially extracted from uranium-bearing minerals such as uraninite.
In nature, uranium atoms exist as uranium-238, uranium-235, and a very small amount of uranium-234. Uranium decays slowly by emitting an alpha particle.
It is commonly used for its nuclear properties, including nuclear power generation and nuclear weapons.