Uranium (U)
| Atomic Number | 92 |
|---|---|
| Atomic Mass | 238.028913 u |
| Category | Actinide |
| Electron Config | [Rn] 5f³ 6d¹ 7s² |
| Appearance | silvery-gray metallic |
| Density (STP) | 19050 g/L |
| Melting Point | 1405.3 K |
| Boiling Point | 4404 K |
| Electronegativity | 1.38 (Pauling) |
| Ionization Energy | 597.6 kJ/mol |
| Atomic Radius | 175 pm |
| Crystal Structure | Base Orthorhombic |
| Discovered By | Martin Heinrich Klaproth (1789) |
Brief Introduction
Uranium (U) is a weakly radioactive, silvery-gray metallic element that is relatively abundant in Earth's crust. It is the heaviest naturally occurring element. Key details about Uranium (U) are as follows:
Uses: Primarily used as fuel in nuclear power plants (U-235) and in nuclear weapons. Also used in radiation shielding, as ballast in aircraft, and historically in ceramics and glass (uranium glass) for coloring.
Production/Extraction: Extracted from uraninite (pitchblende) and other uranium ores. Major producers include Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia. Requires enrichment for most nuclear applications.
History: Discovered in 1789 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth in Germany. Named after the planet Uranus, which had been discovered eight years earlier. Its radioactivity was discovered by Henri Becquerel in 1896.
Health Effects & Safety: Radioactive and chemically toxic. Inhalation or ingestion can cause kidney damage and cancer. Depleted uranium is less radioactive but still toxic. Requires careful handling and disposal.
Price/Market: Traded on international markets. Price fluctuates based on nuclear energy demand and geopolitical factors. Subject to strict international controls and regulations.
Properties: Radioactive, silvery metallic appearance, very dense (19.1 g/cm³), naturally occurring in three isotopes (U-238, U-235, U-234), pyrophoric when finely divided, melting point around 1132°C.