Difference between revisions of "Uranium"
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| − | Uranium, ''[[Elements on Mars|periodic table]] U'', is a metal. | + | Uranium, ''[[Elements on Mars|periodic table]] U'', is a metal. Its most common isotope is <sup>238</sup>U has 146 neutrons, with a abundance of 99% of all uranium. It is unstable and slightly radioactive, with a half life of 4.468×10<sup>9</sup> years (4.5 billion hears). The most important commercial isotope of uranium is <sup>235</sup>U, that is radioactive with a half life of 7.04×10<sup>8</sup> years. <sup>235</sup>U represents 0,72% of all Uranium. |
Uranium used in nuclear reactors is usually enriched in <sup>235</sup>U to increase its radioactivity to the point it can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. Commercial nuclear power plants use fuel that is typically enriched to around 3% <sup>235</sup>U. | Uranium used in nuclear reactors is usually enriched in <sup>235</sup>U to increase its radioactivity to the point it can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. Commercial nuclear power plants use fuel that is typically enriched to around 3% <sup>235</sup>U. | ||
| − | Uranium's average concentration in the Earth's crust is (depending on the reference) 2 to 4 parts per million, or about 40 times as abundant as silver. | + | Uranium's average concentration in the Earth's crust is (depending on the reference) 2 to 4 parts per million, or about 40 times as abundant as silver. If Uranium can be mined and enriched on Mars, it would represent an excellent energy source for a Martian settlement. |
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Revision as of 11:34, 4 December 2020
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Abundance: 0.0%
Uranium, periodic table U, is a metal. Its most common isotope is 238U has 146 neutrons, with a abundance of 99% of all uranium. It is unstable and slightly radioactive, with a half life of 4.468×109 years (4.5 billion hears). The most important commercial isotope of uranium is 235U, that is radioactive with a half life of 7.04×108 years. 235U represents 0,72% of all Uranium.
Uranium used in nuclear reactors is usually enriched in 235U to increase its radioactivity to the point it can sustain a nuclear chain reaction. Commercial nuclear power plants use fuel that is typically enriched to around 3% 235U.
Uranium's average concentration in the Earth's crust is (depending on the reference) 2 to 4 parts per million, or about 40 times as abundant as silver. If Uranium can be mined and enriched on Mars, it would represent an excellent energy source for a Martian settlement.
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