Everything Everywhere Daily: History, Science, Geography & More Plutonium
Dec 10, 2021
Discover the captivating history of plutonium, an element born out of the fusion of danger and utility. Hear about its creation through nuclear fission and its dual role in nuclear weapons and energy production. Delve into its applications in space exploration while understanding the associated toxicity and radioactivity. This deep dive reveals how this synthetic element shaped both our technological advances and our geopolitical landscape.
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Plutonium's Creation and Naming
- Plutonium, element 94, was artificially created by bombarding uranium with deuterium at UC Berkeley in 1940.
- It was named after the then-planet Pluto and unusually given the abbreviation PU as a joke by Glenn Seaborg.
How Plutonium Is Made
- Plutonium is primarily created through nuclear fission processes involving uranium isotopes.
- Two main isotopes produced are plutonium-238 and plutonium-239, each created via different decay and neutron capture pathways.
Plutonium's Physical and Toxic Properties
- Plutonium is a silvery metal that oxidizes quickly and is unique for not being magnetic.
- It is highly toxic and can accumulate in bones, making exposure extremely dangerous.