Plutonium

Definition

Plutonium is a radioactive metallic element with the symbol 'Pu' and atomic number 94. It is a key material used in nuclear fission reactions, particularly in nuclear weapons and certain types of nuclear reactors. Plutonium is primarily produced in nuclear reactors as a byproduct of uranium fission, and its isotopes, especially plutonium-239, are highly significant due to their ability to sustain chain reactions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Plutonium-239 has a half-life of about 24,100 years, making it stable enough to be used in long-term applications like nuclear weapons.
2. Plutonium can be produced artificially in a nuclear reactor by bombarding uranium-238 with neutrons.
3. Because of its radioactive nature, plutonium handling requires strict safety measures to prevent contamination and exposure.
4. The use of plutonium in nuclear weapons was first demonstrated in the atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki during World War II.
5. Plutonium recycling is an important process in some countries that allows for the reuse of plutonium from spent nuclear fuel.

Review Questions

• How does plutonium-239 contribute to nuclear fission reactions, and what makes it suitable for use in nuclear weapons?
  • Plutonium-239 is highly effective for nuclear fission because it can easily sustain a chain reaction. When it absorbs a neutron, it undergoes fission, splitting into lighter elements while releasing energy and more neutrons that can trigger further fissions. This property makes it suitable for use in nuclear weapons, where a rapid release of energy is required for an explosive reaction.
• Discuss the environmental and safety concerns associated with the production and handling of plutonium.
  • The production and handling of plutonium pose significant environmental and safety challenges due to its radioactive nature. Exposure to plutonium can lead to serious health risks, including cancer, which necessitates stringent safety protocols during its handling and storage. Additionally, accidents or leaks involving plutonium can have devastating effects on surrounding ecosystems and human populations.
• Evaluate the implications of plutonium recycling in the context of global nuclear energy policy and non-proliferation efforts.
  • Plutonium recycling has important implications for global nuclear energy policy as it allows for the re-use of valuable resources from spent nuclear fuel. This practice can enhance energy sustainability while reducing waste. However, it also raises concerns regarding non-proliferation, as recycled plutonium could potentially be diverted for use in nuclear weapons. Balancing the benefits of recycling with the need to prevent nuclear proliferation is a critical challenge for policymakers worldwide.

Related terms

Nuclear Fission: A process in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, releasing a significant amount of energy.

Uranium:

A naturally occurring radioactive element used as fuel in nuclear reactors and as the primary material for atomic bombs.

Nuclear Reactor: A device used to initiate and control a sustained nuclear chain reaction for the purpose of generating energy.