Welcome to the first segment of Nuclear 101. I am embarking on a hefty project to understand nuclear physics. Nuclear 101 is a series for non-scientists to understand and be able to discuss nuclear physics**. If you are interested in reading about my past experience that led me to this project please read my previous blog post.
Uranium gets its name from Uranus, the Greek god of the sky. It is a silvery-white metallic element that is 65% more dense than lead and is a little softer than steel. It is believed that uranium was formed in a supernova about 6.6 billion years ago and is the main source of heat inside the Earth. It also occurs naturally in low concentrations in soil, rock, and water. Commercial mining of uranium occurs in areas where uranium is present in high concentrations. Most uranium is currently mined in Canada, Australia, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Niger, and Russia.
Uranium gets its name from Uranus, the Greek god of the sky. It is a silvery-white metallic element that is 65% more dense than lead and is a little softer than steel. It is believed that uranium was formed in a supernova about 6.6 billion years ago and is the main source of heat inside the Earth. It also occurs naturally in low concentrations in soil, rock, and water. Commercial mining of uranium occurs in areas where uranium is present in high concentrations. Most uranium is currently mined in Canada, Australia, Kazakhstan, Namibia, Niger, and Russia.
The earliest known use of uranium dates to the first century when it was used to add yellow color to ceramic glazes. Uranium has been used in photographic chemicals, lamp filaments, and as mordants to set dyes on silk and wool fabrics. It is often used in the keels of yachts, in counterweights for aircraft controls, high powered x-rays, and for radiation shielding. Many people are most familiar with the use of uranium in nuclear energy and weapons production which is why learning about uranium has been the first step in my endeavor to understand nuclear physics.
In the next segment I will discuss the discovery of uranium and why the properties of this element are so special.
In the next segment I will discuss the discovery of uranium and why the properties of this element are so special.
Sources:
Global Security: Uranium
Web Elements: Uranium
Wikipedia: Uranium
http://www.world-nuclear.org/
**I have no formal training in nuclear physics and will gladly accept any and all feedback and will update this series accordingly with accepted corrections.
Global Security: Uranium
Web Elements: Uranium
Wikipedia: Uranium
http://www.world-nuclear.org/
**I have no formal training in nuclear physics and will gladly accept any and all feedback and will update this series accordingly with accepted corrections.
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